PicoShare

PicoShare is an open-source, self-hosted web application designed for sharing files via direct links. It allows users to upload files of any size, type, or media format and distribute them through a web interface. The application functions as a dedicated server that manages the storage and retrieval of uploaded content, providing a way to host files on private infrastructure.

The application is deployed as a server and can be run from source using the Go programming language or as a Docker container. It provides a minimalist interface for managing uploads and generating links that allow recipients to view or download content. These links work without requiring the recipient to create an account, sign up for a service, or interact with advertisements, ensuring that the file is the primary focus of the interaction.

Key features

• Direct download links for file sharing
• Support for any file size and type
• No re-encoding or resizing of media files
• Admin access via a shared secret passphrase
• SQLite database for local data storage
• Cloud data replication via Litestream
• Docker Compose support for simplified deployment
• Reverse proxy compatibility for logging

The software architecture relies on a SQLite database to track files and metadata. For users requiring higher availability or disaster recovery, PicoShare can be configured to replicate this database to Litestream-compatible cloud storage buckets. This ensures that if a container is destroyed, the data can be restored from the cloud location to continue operation without interruption. The system is designed for individuals or small teams who need a lightweight way to host their own file-sharing service without the restrictions often found in specialized media hosting platforms.

Administrative control is handled through environment variables, such as the shared secret used for login. To maintain filesystem efficiency, the application allows administrators to manually reclaim reserved database space by performing a vacuum operation on the SQLite store after deleting large numbers of files. This ensures the server does not hold onto unnecessary disk space.

PicoShare is positioned as a minimalist tool for users who prioritize direct file access and self-hosted data control.