Clients Submit Files Via Dropbox

[Rich F.5]

I have an opportunity to have clients submit large files.  Instead of a form post in a browser, it would be nice to maintain a shared folder for each client.  I'd use my API to deal with the files and place error files or some kind of log within each client's folder.

Is Dropbox made for this sort of thing?  With the API I can't find list_folder_members, so I'm wondering if I have the right app type.  The error I'm getting is that my app type disallows this type of call.   

members = client.list_folder_members("alpha")

Any insight appreciated.  Cheers

[Greg-DB]

Dropbox does offer an API you can use for listing, uploading, and downloading files, among other operations. You can also perform these operations in shared folders. You can find everything you need to get started with the Dropbox API, including documentation, tutorials, and SDKs here.

The specific issue you're seeing with "list_folder_members" method is because you're trying to call it with an access token for an app registered for the "app folder" permission. That endpoint doesn't support apps with the app folder permission. You should use an app with the "full Dropbox" permission for that instead. (You can register one here if you haven't already.)

[Rich F.5]

Do I have to have a business account in order to play in the business sandbox?  That doesn't really work for me.  I need to know if I can perform my task, to know that this is a possible solution for my needs.  It's backwards to ask someone to buy a car to see if it is the right choice.  

[Greg-DB]

Can you clarify what you mean when you refer to "the business sandbox"?

None of the functionality mentioned in this thread here requires a Business account. You can register and use a "full Dropbox" app and use shared folders with any account type.

[Rich F.5]

I applied for a Team application and tried to generate an access token:

 Generated access token

 You must be a team administrator to perform this operation

It seems I'm missing something.  I thought it was my current account that's limiting my API access.  What have I done wrong here?

[Greg-DB · Accepted solution]

Thanks! I see that you registered a "Dropbox Business API" app. That is for the Dropbox Business API, which has functionality specific to Business teams, so you can only connect that if you have a Business plan.

For what you described earlier, you should register a "full Dropbox" app. I.e., on the app creation page, select "Dropbox API" > "Full Dropbox" (not "Dropbox Business API"). You can connect that to any account type, and use it to access shared folders.

(If you've already registered a full Dropbox app, you can find it on the App Console.)