Accessing online-only files from Linux terminal

[fernan a.]

I have a large Dropbox folder (Dropbox for Business) that on some of my computers is set to "online-only", but I want to make specific files available offline. I know I can do this via right clicks in the File Explorer window for individual files or folders.

Also, when accessing files using the File Explorer (double clicking with the mouse), Dropbox notices and downloads files on the fly.

However sometimes I work with files from a terminal (Windows Subsystem for Linux, WSL).  In this case, accessing the files using terminal commands (cat, grep, editors like vim, etc.) do not result in files being downloaded. It is as if Dropbox does not know that files are being accessed. Seems like there is no connection with the WSL. However this other post shows users have the same problems in MacOS terminals. So this is not restricted to WSL or Windows. 

I am not requesting support or help in understanding this issue. I know it doesn't work. I am requesting this feature. It should be nice to be able to have either 1) a dropbox CLI command that would let us specify which file(s) or folder(s) we want to make available offline from a shell; 2) or have the WSL provide information to dropbox on files being accessed through the terminal. 

Thanks!

I'm using Windows 10 or 11 in different computers, WSL running Ubuntu 20.04. Dropbox v192.4.4605

[Hannah]

Hey @fernan a., thanks for reaching out to the Dropbox Community.

We really appreciate your feedback on this.

I will make sure to pass your comments along to our team.

Make sure to also check this thread, for additional info.

If you have any questions, let us know.