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Share a folder over the network with one command

Serve a directory as a download page that other devices can open in a browser.

Linuxnetworkpythonsharinghttp-serverLow risk
In the folder you want to share, run python3 -m http.server 8000, then others open http://YOUR-IP:8000 in a browser.

01Command

Command
$ cd /path/to/folder && python3 -m http.server 8000

02What it does

Python's built-in http.server turns the current directory into a browsable file listing over HTTP — no setup, no config files. Find your address with ip addr, and anyone on the same Wi-Fi or LAN can download the files. Press Ctrl+C to stop sharing.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
Requirementspython3 (preinstalled on most distros)
!Warning: There is no authentication: while it runs, anyone on your network can read everything in that folder and below. Stop it when done and never run it in your home directory.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • http.server — Python documentation
    Python Software Foundation · community · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: python -m http.server serves the current directory over HTTP on the given port; it is intended for testing and local use.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Network

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