Resolving the 404 Not Found Error When Downloading Files from GitHub

Learn how to fix the `404 Not Found` error and incorrect file size issue when downloading files from GitHub. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure successful downloads!
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Resolving the 404 Not Found Error When Downloading Files from GitHub

Downloading files from GitHub can sometimes lead to frustrating issues, such as encountering a 404 Not Found error or receiving files that are significantly smaller than expected. In this guide, we will address these common issues and provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to properly download files without running into these problems.

Understanding the Problem

You may find yourself trying to download a file, like a .tif image, from GitHub using R, but your code may return an error indicating that the URL is not found. Additionally, if you manage to download the file, it may not be the correct size, causing difficulties when you try to use it in your analysis.

For example, a user attempting to download a .tif file encountered a 404 Not Found error, and when the issue was "resolved," the file downloaded was only a fraction of the expected size.

The Original Code Snippet

This is a common mistake that many encounter when working with GitHub links. Below is the initial code snippet the user tried to implement:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This code returned an error because the constructed URL was incorrect. The user was essentially trying to access the HTML page of the file instead of the raw data itself.

How to Overcome the Issue

Correcting the Download Link

The solution lies in using the direct link to the raw file content on GitHub. Here’s the corrected version of the code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation:

This alteration allows you to access the raw file, bypassing the HTML representation of the file.

Expected Outcome

When you run the corrected code, you should see a message confirming that the file has been successfully downloaded:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This indicates that you've properly downloaded the .tif file in its intended size.

Conclusion

By ensuring that you use the correct URL for raw files hosted on GitHub, you can avoid the common pitfalls of downloading files, such as encountering a 404 Not Found error or retrieving an incorrect file size. Always remember to check that you're using the raw GitHub URL when attempting to download data files programmatically.

We hope this guide helps clear up any confusion and enhances your experience with downloading files from GitHub!