[path_provider] getDownloadsDirectory() doesn't work for iOS and Android.

[curvednebula]

Currently getDownloadsDirectory() has the following documentation:

/// Path to the directory where downloaded files can be stored.
/// This is typically only relevant on desktop operating systems.
///
/// On Android and on iOS, this function throws an [UnsupportedError] as no equivalent
/// path exists.

It isn't quite clear why this API can't return paths to iOS' and Android's Downloads folders? I think both has equivalent folders. Am I missing something?

[darshankawar]

The method seems to be only supported on desktop platforms such as macOS. If you use that method, you'll see a message something like: Functionality only available on macOS.
The documentation also says that, for mobile platform, there's no equivalent path exists and hence the limitation.

[guillermin]

I'm not sure about iOS, but Android definitely does have a downloads folder, whose path is obtainable with:
Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(Environment.DIRECTORY_DOWNLOADS).getAbsolutePath();

I think this should be added to the path_provider_android plugin (I can make a PR if it will be considered for inclusion)

[curvednebula]

I'm not sure about iOS, but Android definitely does have a downloads folder, whose path is obtainable with: Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(Environment.DIRECTORY_DOWNLOADS).getAbsolutePath();

I think this should be added to the path_provider_android plugin (I can make a PR if it will be considered for inclusion)

I think this sounds good even if there is no iOS equivalent.

[darshankawar]

Keeping it open for further insights from the team. @guillermin Feel free to submit the PR.

[guillermin]

I just submitted PR flutter/plugins#4559 with this change.