miniserve is a CLI tool that serves files and directories over HTTP with a single command.
The tool solves the problem of quickly sharing files without setting up a full web server. It works by providing a self-contained binary that can be run immediately to expose local files via HTTP. The approach prioritizes simplicity and speed over configuration complexity, making it practical for temporary file sharing scenarios.
miniserve suits developers and users who need ad-hoc file serving without infrastructure setup. It works well for sharing individual files, serving directory listings, hosting single-page applications with client-side routing, and enabling file uploads. The tool includes authentication via username and password, TLS support for encrypted connections, custom HTTP headers, binding to multiple network interfaces, and random URL generation for obscured access. It also supports raw output mode for terminal-based browsers and can display wget commands for convenient downloading.
The project maintains steady activity with regular updates addressing user-reported issues and feature requests. Development includes responsive bug fixes and incremental improvements to existing functionality. The maintainer actively engages with the community through issue discussions and pull request reviews.
