File Share: A Secure, Self-Hosted File Sharing Solution
In today's digital world, sharing files quickly and securely is more important than ever. While cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox are popular, they often come with privacy concerns, storage limits, and subscription fees. That's why I developed File Share - a complete, self-hosted file sharing solution that puts you in control of your data.
What is File Share?
File Share is a web application built with PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that allows you to upload files and generate secure, time-limited sharing links. Unlike traditional file sharing services:
- Self-hosted - You control the server and data
- No registration required - Start sharing immediately
- Automatic cleanup - Files expire after 24 hours
- 100% free - No subscription fees or limits
- Open source - Fully customizable code
Key Features
Secure File Sharing
Each file gets a unique, encrypted URL that's impossible to guess. No unauthorized access to your files.
Drag & Drop Interface
Modern, intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality and upload progress tracking.
Mobile Responsive
Works perfectly on all devices - desktop, tablet, and mobile phones.
Auto-Expiry System
Files automatically delete after 24 hours, with a garbage collector to clean up expired files.
Download Analytics
Track how many times each file has been downloaded with built-in statistics.
File Type Validation
Supports images, documents, archives, and media files with built-in security checks.
How It Works
1. Upload Your File
Drag and drop or click to select any file up to 100MB. Supported formats include images, PDFs, documents, zip files, and media files.
2. Get Shareable Link
Instantly receive a secure, unique URL that you can share with anyone. The link includes copy-to-clipboard functionality.
3. Share & Track
Share the link via email, messaging apps, or the built-in Web Share API. Monitor download counts in real-time.
4. Automatic Cleanup
Files automatically delete after 24 hours, keeping your server clean and storage optimized.
Technical Architecture
Backend Technology Stack
- PHP 7.4+ - Server-side processing and file handling
- MySQL - Database for storing file metadata
- Apache/Nginx - Web server with .htaccess security rules
Frontend Technology Stack
- HTML5 - Semantic markup and structure
- CSS3 - Responsive design with modern styling
- JavaScript (ES6+) - Interactive features and AJAX uploads
Security Features
- File type validation and size limits
- Random filename generation
- SQL injection prevention with prepared statements
- Upload directory protection via .htaccess
- Secure download links with expiration
Installation Guide
Requirements
- PHP 7.4 or higher
- MySQL 5.7 or higher
- Web server (Apache/Nginx)
- File uploads enabled
Quick Setup
- Upload all files to your web server
- Create MySQL database and import the schema
- Configure database credentials in config.php
- Set up cron job for garbage collection
- Test the application
Practical Use Cases
Team Collaboration
Share project files, documents, and resources with team members without relying on external services.
Education
Teachers can distribute materials to students, with automatic expiration to keep things organized.
Client Deliverables
Freelancers and agencies can securely send files to clients with download tracking.
Personal Use
Quickly share photos, videos, or documents with friends and family without creating accounts.
Why Choose File Share?
Privacy First: Your files never leave your server. No third-party has access to your data.
Cost Effective: No monthly subscriptions or per-user fees. One-time setup, lifetime use.
Customizable: Being open source, you can modify every aspect to fit your specific needs.
Reliable: No dependency on external services. Your file sharing works as long as your server does.
Get Started Today
Ready to take control of your file sharing? File Share is available now and completely free to use. Whether you're a developer looking to implement secure file sharing or an organization wanting to keep data in-house, this solution provides everything you need.
Live Demo: Try File Share Now
Experience the freedom of self-hosted file sharing with enterprise-level security and a user-friendly interface. Say goodbye to storage limits and privacy concerns - welcome to File Share!