How to Quickly Setup HTTP File Server in Ubuntu 20.04

There are quite a few ways to transfer files over home network. One of the easiest ways is to run a single python command in terminal.

Python contains a script that sets up simple http server. No need to install anything, and even no internet connection required.

1. Simply right-click on the folder that contains the files you want to transfer, then select ‘Open in Terminal

2. When terminal opens, run the single command:

python3 -m http.server

That’s it!

Now any device in the same network can access the http file server by going to : http://server_ip:8000

In addition, you may run python3 -m http.server & instead to start the http server in background, so the terminal window can be closed.

To check your IP address, go to Settings > Wi-Fi (or Network), click on the gear button after your connected network and check the IPv4 Address.