GhostFile

GhostFile is a lightweight ephemeral file upload server implemented in Python that accepts one-time uploads and automatically shuts itself down after a successful transfer. It is distributed as a single self-contained binary (built with PyInstaller) and can also be run from source or inside a Docker container.

Key Features

• One-time, ephemeral uploads: the server stops itself after handling uploads to avoid running as a persistent service.
• Dual operation modes: command-line (CLI) mode when run from a terminal, and an optional desktop GUI when launched from a desktop environment or forced via a flag.
• Single-binary distribution: pre-built self-contained binaries are provided for convenience (Intel x86_64 and ARM64 builds are mentioned).
• Web-based upload UI: a bundled index.html provides a drag-and-drop web interface served on start (default host 0.0.0.0 and port 5000).
• Flexible deployment: can be run directly from source, via the provided binary, or inside Docker (CLI mode only in containers).
• Configurable save location: uploaded files are written to a configurable directory (defaults to ./downloads or the user’s home directory in GUI mode).

Use Cases

• Quickly move files between machines on a local network without setting up a persistent file server.
• Provide an easy drag-and-drop upload endpoint for non-technical users for short-lived transfers.
• Integrate into ad-hoc workflows or scripts where a temporary, single-use file receiver is required.

Limitations and Considerations

• Platform testing is limited: GhostFile is noted as only tested on Linux; Windows and macOS compatibility is likely but not guaranteed, and ARM64 testing is limited.
• Docker runs CLI mode only: GUI mode is not supported when run inside Docker containers.
• Not intended for persistent hosting: GhostFile is explicitly designed as a temporary uploader and is not a replacement for long-running file hosting solutions.

GhostFile is a pragmatic tool for short-lived file transfers: compact to run, simple to operate, and designed to minimize the window in which a file-receiving service is exposed. It is best suited for occasional LAN transfers and ad-hoc sharing where a persistent server would be unnecessary.