Dufs is a file server that supports static serving, uploading, searching, access control, and WebDAV functionality.
The tool solves the need for a lightweight, feature-rich file server that goes beyond simple static file serving. It combines multiple capabilities—file uploads with drag-and-drop support, resumable transfers, directory searching, and file creation or editing—into a single command-line utility. The server is built in Rust and can be deployed as a standalone binary, Docker container, or installed via package managers. It handles both basic HTTP operations and WebDAV protocol, making it suitable for scenarios ranging from quick local file sharing to more structured cloud-disk-like access patterns.
Dufs suits developers and system administrators who need a self-contained file server without external dependencies or complex configuration. It works well for temporary file sharing, serving static websites or single-page applications, and scenarios requiring fine-grained access control. The tool is particularly useful when curl-based file operations are desired. The access control system allows per-user, per-path permissions with read-write or read-only modes, and supports both plaintext and SHA-512 hashed passwords. The README does not compare Dufs to alternative file servers, so no comparative positioning is available.
The project shows active maintenance with regular updates addressing both features and bug fixes. Development includes responsiveness to user-reported issues and incorporation of community feedback into new releases. The codebase demonstrates attention to security details, such as supporting hashed password authentication and digest authentication alongside basic auth. The tool receives incremental feature additions like customizable logging formats and path-hiding capabilities, indicating ongoing refinement based on practical usage patterns.
