Multi-threaded downloader in C#

Question

I'm working on a WPF download manager which should support downloading multiple files at the same time through HTTP, adding a new download, pause/resume, displaying and updating each download process information (filename, size, download percentage, time left...) in a DataGrid, displaying progress in a ProgressBar and a bunch of other stuff.

So, the idea is to use a separate thread for each download process, and be able to dynamically create/cancel threads. What is the best way to accomplish this? Using a BackgroundWorker, ThreadPool?

You may also need multiple threads for each download process — L.B, Feb 04 '12 at 21:57

score 6 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 04 '12 at 21:55

6

The WebClient XXXAsync methods such as DownloadFileAsync already provide you with asynchronous versions of all methods that allow you to perform the HTTP requests on separate threads. They are also C# 5.0 async ready.

Since this is a WPF application you should ensure that you are modifying the UI controls only on the main UI thread using the Dispatcher.BeginInvoke method.

answered Feb 04 '12 at 21:55

Darin Dimitrov

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Yes, well I cannot use WebClient, since it doesn't support pausing/resuming a download, so I have to create a custom wrapper for HttpWebRequest. I think I will have to use a new `Thread` for each process and set it as a background thread. – marko Feb 05 '12 at 22:44

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 04 '12 at 21:55

0

I would just use Thread directly and keep the references to all the treads that I create.

answered Feb 04 '12 at 21:55

Jakub Konecki

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Multi-threaded downloader in C#

2 Answers2