Peer-to-peer file sharing
Magic Wormhole
Magic Wormhole [6] is a simple command-line utility for transferring files or directories to another computer on the LAN. The software is available in the repositories of most popular distributions and can be conveniently installed with the corresponding graphical front ends.
Since the program is still under active development, the developers also provide a list on the project's GitHub page showing which distribution ships which version of the program. In addition to the packaged versions in the software archives, the source code and a snap package are also available for download. Magic Wormhole uses PAKE encryption for file transfer and creates temporary relays by default.
Using Magic Wormhole
Magic Wormhole uses different file transfer parameters on the source and target systems. On the source machine, you type
wormhole send FILE
while on the destination, you type:
wormhole receive
The software then asks the target computer for the code, which it generates automatically for secure data transmission in line with the PAKE standard. The target computer only contacts the source machine after the code is input. The user on the target computer is then asked if they want to receive the transferred document. If approved, the tool stores the file on the target computer. While doing so, it shows a progress bar in the terminal window (Figure 11).
Packaging
Magic Wormhole not only transfers individual files, but also complete folders and directory hierarchies if desired. To do this, simply enter the directory to be sent or the root folder of the directory tree on the source computer. The software recognizes that the source is not a single file and generates a ZIP archive from the folder or directory tree. It then generates the code for entry on the receiving computer.
After entering the receive
command, Magic Wormhole first transfers the ZIP archive to the target computer, where it is unpacked on receipt, including all originally existing subfolders, and stored in the home directory of the logged-in user. If a folder with the same name already exists on the target computer in the storage directory, the file transfer aborts with an error message. If you have several folders with the same name, you should rename the directory to be transferred or copy it to a new folder before sending.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.