Magic Wormhole is a command-line tool and library for securely transferring files, directories, and text between computers over a network.
The tool solves the problem of safely moving data between machines without requiring prior setup, shared credentials, or complex configuration. It works by generating short, human-pronounceable wormhole codes that both sender and receiver use to establish a connection. The sending machine generates a code, which the receiving machine types in to initiate the transfer. These codes are single-use, do not require memorization, and support tab-completion to minimize typing. The underlying transfer uses encryption and relies on two separate server components: a mailbox server for initial coordination and a transit relay for data movement.
Magic Wormhole suits scenarios where you need ad-hoc, one-time file transfers between machines without pre-established trust relationships or infrastructure. It works well for moving files of any size, directories, or snippets of text. The tool is available as a command-line utility and as a Python library for programmatic use. It is packaged in many operating systems, making installation straightforward for most users.
The project maintains active test coverage across multiple Python versions and platforms, including Windows. Development activity includes regular CI/CD checks through automated testing workflows. The project sustains community engagement through multiple communication channels including IRC and Matrix chat. Documentation is comprehensive and kept current through a dedicated documentation site.
