Author Topic: MCWebAccess (Experimental Extension)  (Read 6390 times)

Mathias (Author)

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MCWebAccess (Experimental Extension)
« on: August 26, 2024, 10:48:22 »
MCWebAccess is an experimental extension that enables you to access files shared via MC directly from a web browser.

What Problem Does It Solve?
Imagine you're working on your laptop and need to quickly share a file with a colleague or friend. Normally, you might use Windows file sharing, but this comes with challenges:
  • Network Restrictions: If you're not on the same network, you may need to configure settings that can be complex or cumbersome.
  • Corporate Firewalls: Corporate firewalls or administrative restrictions might block file-sharing features, making it difficult or impossible to share files this way.
  • File Size Limitations: Emailing large attachments often isn't feasible due to size limitations.
  • Cloud Services Blocked: Cloud storage might be blocked by corporate policies, or transferring large files can be slow.
  • USB Stick Hassles: You might resort to using a USB stick, but this isn't always convenient or practical.

MCWebAccess addresses these issues by providing an easier way to share files within your local network. When you start the extension, it hosts a local web server, allowing your colleague or friend to access shared files using a browser. Although you might need to open the incoming port on your computer, this is typically simpler than configuring Windows file sharing.

Additionally, MCWebAccess makes it easy to transfer larger files between your phone and computer over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for USB cables.

Important Limitations - READ THIS
  • Local Network Only: MCWebAccess is designed exclusively for sharing files within a local network. It is not intended for internet-based file sharing.
  • Security Risks: Currently, there is no login or authentication mechanism, making it unsuitable for use over the internet. Running the extension on an internet-connected device poses significant security risks.
  • Early Experimental Version: This is a very early, experimental version of the extension, aimed at identifying which features to add in future updates. It is not intended to be left running unattended.

Note: Do not use MCWebAccess if your computer is directly connected to the internet. It is meant to be used only on a local network.


Download
v0.1 (x64 only) Download (Minimum required MC build 3026)

Install
* Unpack into Extension folder
* Restart MultiCommander
* Menu > Extension > MCWebAccess
* Drag folder / file to should be available to the "virtual workspace"
* Press the start button to start listening for web access , By default on port 9001. (can be changed.)  http:\\127.0.0.1:9001

Leave Feedback
Please leave feedback if these extension would be useful for you. What features you want and so on.
This is a very early experimental version. There are lots of things that can be added. But I do not want to spend time on features that is not needed.
So what features do you need ?
If I don't get any feedback this extension might be scraped for public release.
I created this to solve a problem for me, and I can live with very limited features and bugs.


TODO
 * Add virtual folder.
 * Add Permission to if upload or download should be allowed.
 * Add so it only accepts connect from some IPs
 * Better Web UI (react ?. Already using WebSockets for upload)
 * Lots more.
 
« Last Edit: August 27, 2024, 12:29:08 by Mathias (Author) »

Mathias (Author)

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Re: MCWebAccess (Experimental Extension)
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2024, 16:47:52 »
Since there was no interest for a an extension like this.. This extension will only not be released for public use, only minimal work will be spent on it to fit my own needs.