How to use the command http-server-upload (with examples)

This article aims to provide clear instructions on how to use the http-server-upload command, along with various use cases and examples.

Description

The http-server-upload command is a zero-configuration, command-line HTTP server that provides a lightweight interface to upload files. It allows users to start an HTTP server and specify various configurations such as maximum file size, port number, storage directory, temporary storage directory, and token field for HTTP posts. The command is convenient for developers and users who need to quickly and easily upload files using a local server.

Use case 1: Start an HTTP server on the default port to upload files to the current directory

Code:

http-server-upload

Motivation:

If you want to quickly start an HTTP server on the default port (usually port 8000) and upload files to the current directory, this use case is for you. It is useful for local development or sharing files with others locally.

Explanation:

• The http-server-upload command starts an HTTP server listening on the default port (usually 8000) and allows users to upload files to the current directory.
• No additional arguments or environment variables are required for this use case.

Example output:

Starting HTTP server on port 8000
Upload directory: /path/to/current/directory

Use case 2: Start an HTTP server with the specified maximum allowed file size for uploads in MiB

Code:

MAX_FILE_SIZE=500 http-server-upload

Motivation:

Sometimes, you may want to limit the size of files that can be uploaded to your server. By specifying the MAX_FILE_SIZE environment variable, you can set a maximum file size limit for uploads. This provides control over the server’s available storage and ensures that large files do not overwhelm the system.

Explanation:

• The MAX_FILE_SIZE environment variable sets the maximum allowed file size for uploads in MiB (Megabytes).
• In this example, MAX_FILE_SIZE=500 sets the maximum allowed file size to 500 MiB.

Example output:

Starting HTTP server on port 8000
Upload directory: /path/to/current/directory
Maximum file size: 500 MiB

Use case 3: Start an HTTP server on a specific port to upload files to the current directory

Code:

PORT=8080 http-server-upload

Motivation:

By default, the http-server-upload command starts an HTTP server on the default port 8000. However, in some cases, port 8000 might already be in use or you may prefer to use a different port. Using this use case, you can specify a custom port number to start the HTTP server.

Explanation:

• The PORT environment variable sets the port number for the HTTP server.
• In this example, PORT=8080 sets the HTTP server to listen on port 8080.

Example output:

Starting HTTP server on port 8080
Upload directory: /path/to/current/directory

Use case 4: Start an HTTP server, storing the uploaded files in a specific directory

Code:

UPLOAD_DIR=/custom/upload/directory http-server-upload

Motivation:

By default, the http-server-upload command uploads the files to the current directory. However, in some cases, you may want to specify a different directory to store the uploaded files. This use case allows you to set a custom upload directory.

Explanation:

• The UPLOAD_DIR environment variable sets the directory where uploaded files are stored.
• In this example, UPLOAD_DIR=/custom/upload/directory sets the upload directory to /custom/upload/directory.

Example output:

Starting HTTP server on port 8000
Upload directory: /custom/upload/directory

Use case 5: Start an HTTP server using a specific directory to temporarily store files during the upload process

Code:

UPLOAD_TMP_DIR=/custom/tmp/directory http-server-upload

Motivation:

During the upload process, the http-server-upload command temporarily stores the files in a default directory. However, you may want to specify a different directory for temporary storage. This use case allows you to set a custom temporary storage directory.

Explanation:

• The UPLOAD_TMP_DIR environment variable sets the directory where files are temporarily stored during the upload process.
• In this example, UPLOAD_TMP_DIR=/custom/tmp/directory sets the temporary storage directory to /custom/tmp/directory.

Example output:

Starting HTTP server on port 8000
Upload directory: /path/to/current/directory
Temporary storage directory: /custom/tmp/directory

Use case 6: Start an HTTP server accepting uploads with a specific token field in the HTTP post

Code:

TOKEN=secret http-server-upload

Motivation:

If you want to restrict uploads to only authorized users or applications, you can set a token field in the HTTP post. This use case allows you to define a specific token to be used for authorization.

Explanation:

• The TOKEN environment variable sets the token field in the HTTP post.
• In this example, TOKEN=secret sets the token field to secret.

Example output:

Starting HTTP server on port 8000
Upload directory: /path/to/current/directory
Authorization token field: secret

Conclusion

The http-server-upload command is a versatile tool for quickly starting an HTTP server to upload files. By using the various use cases outlined above, you can tailor the command to suit your specific needs, whether it’s limiting file sizes, specifying custom directories, or adding authorization. Understanding these different configurations allows you to make the most of this lightweight tool.