HTTP File Server
Encyclopedia
HTTP File Server, otherwise known as HFS, is a free web server
specifically designed for publishing and sharing files.
The complete feature set differs from other web servers; it lacks some common features, like CGI
, but includes, for example, counting file downloads. It is even advised against using it as an ordinary web server. Its foremost feature is its extreme ease of use even for ordinary home users; just launch one file and you're all set, no configuration or installation. HFS has received generally very positive reviews.
The official documentation describes HFS as:
As of the latest beta version 2.3, HFS includes its own proprietary scripting language known as "macros", which can be used to expand functionality of the program. Scripts can be used in a variety of methods including event handlers and directly on web pages. Macros can even be written to bypass the program's account system with a custom one. HFS can be used as a typical web-server, however it is not easy to support and requires a variety of unconventional programming methods (version 2.3 only), due to its lack of support for PHP or CGI.
Web server
Web server can refer to either the hardware or the software that helps to deliver content that can be accessed through the Internet....
specifically designed for publishing and sharing files.
The complete feature set differs from other web servers; it lacks some common features, like CGI
Common Gateway Interface
The Common Gateway Interface is a standard method for web servers software to delegate the generation of web pages to executable files...
, but includes, for example, counting file downloads. It is even advised against using it as an ordinary web server. Its foremost feature is its extreme ease of use even for ordinary home users; just launch one file and you're all set, no configuration or installation. HFS has received generally very positive reviews.
Features
HFS is a small HTTP file server, aimed at mostly sharing files for download.The official documentation describes HFS as:
HFS (Http File Server) is file sharing software which allows you to send and receive files. You can limit this sharing to just a few friends, or be open to the whole world.
HFS is different from classic file sharing because there is no network. HFS is a web server which uses web technology to be more compatible with today's Internet.
Since it is actually a web server, your friends can download files as if they were downloading from a website using a web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. Your users don't have to install any new software.
HFS lets you share your files. Most web servers are used to publish a website, but HFS is not designed to do that. You are, however, free to use it in any way you wish, - but at your own risk.
As of the latest beta version 2.3, HFS includes its own proprietary scripting language known as "macros", which can be used to expand functionality of the program. Scripts can be used in a variety of methods including event handlers and directly on web pages. Macros can even be written to bypass the program's account system with a custom one. HFS can be used as a typical web-server, however it is not easy to support and requires a variety of unconventional programming methods (version 2.3 only), due to its lack of support for PHP or CGI.