FileBrowser is a web-based file manager that allows users to manage files and directories on a server through a browser interface. It provides a simple and intuitive way to perform file operations like uploading, downloading, deleting, renaming, and editing files, as well as managing directories. Here’s how FileBrowser works:

1. Architecture Overview

• Backend: FileBrowser is written in Go, a statically-typed, compiled language known for its simplicity and efficiency. The backend handles file operations, authentication, and communication with the frontend.

• Frontend: The frontend is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, providing a user-friendly interface. It communicates with the backend via HTTP/HTTPS requests, sending commands to the backend and receiving data in return.

• Database: FileBrowser uses a SQLite database to store user accounts, permissions, and settings. The database file is typically named filebrowser.db.

2. Key Features

• File Management: Users can browse directories, view files, upload and download files, and perform file operations like rename, move, copy, and delete.

• User Management: FileBrowserallows you to create multiple user accounts with different permissions. This means you can control who has access to specific directories and what operations they can perform.

• Authentication: Users can be authenticated using basic credentials (username and password). The backend manages user sessions and controls access based on the defined permissions.

• Customizability: You can customize the appearance and behavior of FileBrowser by modifying the configuration, adding themes, and using custom CSS.

• Security: FileBrowser supports HTTPS, which can be enabled to secure the connection between the user’s browser and the server. It also allows setting up access control to restrict users to specific directories and actions.

3. How It Works: Step-by-Step

1. Starting the Server

• When you start FileBrowser, it initializes a web server (usually on port 8080).
• The server loads configurations from the filebrowser.db database, including user accounts, settings, and the root directory from which users can browse files.

2. User Authentication

• When a user attempts to access the FileBrowserinterface, they are prompted to log in.
• The username and password are checked against the stored credentials in the database.
• Upon successful authentication, a session is created, allowing the user to interact with the file system.

3. File Operations

• Browsing: Users can navigate the directory structure starting from the root directory specified during FileBrowser setup.
• Uploading: Files can be uploaded directly through the web interface, where they are stored on the server in the selected directory.
• Downloading: Users can download files by clicking on them, which sends the file from the server to the user's device.
• Editing: Text files can be edited directly within the browser, with changes being saved back to the server.
• Deleting and Renaming: Files and directories can be deleted or renamed via the interface, with changes reflected immediately on the server.

4. User Interface

• The frontend displays files and directories in a hierarchical view.
• Users can switch between different views (e.g., list view, grid view).
• The interface includes options for file searching, sorting, and filtering.

5. Customization and Theming

• Admin users can customize the appearance of FileBrowser by applying themes, modifying CSS, or adding custom branding.
• Configuration settings, including user permissions and directory access, can be adjusted through the admin panel.

6. Security and SSL

• To secure the connection, FileBrowser can be configured to use HTTPS by providing an SSL certificate and key.
• Access controls allow the admin to restrict user actions, such as preventing certain users from deleting or editing files.

4. Deployment

FileBrowser can be deployed on various platforms, including Linux, Windows, and macOS. It can run as a standalone application or as a service, and it can be integrated into existing infrastructure, such as a web server like Apache or Nginx.

• Running as a Service: On Linux, FileBrowser can be run as a systemd service, ensuring it starts automatically with the system and runs in the background.
• Docker: FileBrowser is also available as a Docker image, making it easy to deploy in containerized environments.

5. Usage Scenarios

• Personal File Management: FileBrowser can be used by individuals to manage their files on a personal server, providing remote access to their data.
• Shared Hosting: Web hosting providers can offer FileBrowser to their clients as a file management tool.
• Corporate File Sharing: Organizations can use FileBrowser for secure file sharing among employees, with access controls tailored to different user roles.

Conclusion

FileBrowser is a versatile and powerful tool for managing files on a server via a web interface. It provides a simple, secure, and customizable platform for file management, making it suitable for both personal and professional use. Whether you're hosting it on a local server or in the cloud, FileBrowser simplifies file operations and offers robust features for user management and security.