Generate a Unique Filename for an Email

See more Email Object Examples

Demonstrates the Chilkat Email.GenerateFilename method, which generates a unique filename for the email. The returned filename is different each time the method is called. This example generates one and prints it.

Background: When saving many messages to a folder — for example exporting a mailbox to .eml files — you need a distinct name for each so they do not overwrite one another. GenerateFilename produces a fresh, collision-resistant name on demand, sparing you from inventing your own scheme (timestamps, counters, GUIDs) just to keep files from clashing.

Chilkat C Downloads

Download Chilkat for C

#include <C_CkEmail.h>

void ChilkatSample(void)
    {
    HCkEmail email;
    const char *fname;

    //  Demonstrates the GenerateFilename method, which generates a unique filename for this
    //  email.  The filename is different each time the method is called.

    email = CkEmail_Create();
    CkEmail_putSubject(email,"Weekly report");

    //  Generate a unique filename (for example, to save the email to disk).
    fname = CkEmail_generateFilename(email);

    printf("Generated filename: %s\n",fname);


    CkEmail_Dispose(email);

    }