Compute content_hash of local folder

Question

Hi, I've implemented content hashing for local files using the instructions found here dropbox content-hash page  - very helpful article!

Next I'd like to implement content hashing for folders locally. So I can then compare to a remove Dropbox folder's content_hash (and download or not download a folder accordingly).

What is the best way to generate a content_hash for a folder locally?

* Hash individual files (in the folder) one at a time and then hash the concatenated SHA-256 strings? If so, what would be the order of the files to hash sequentially?
* Can the folder be hashed (rather than each file)? This would be far more efficient!
* Can detailed instructions please be provided?

Thank you very much.
Peter

Greg-DB · Accepted Answer

Dropbox doesn't offer a 'content_hash' or equivalent for entire folders, only files, but I'll pass this along as a feature request. I can't promise if or when that might be implemented though.

If you want to verify an entire folder, you'd need to check each individual file in the folder you're interested in verifying.