Access files of a devices in the same network using Python

When multiple devices are connected over the same network (LAN or WiFi), Python provides a simple way to share and access files between them. Python's built-in http.server module creates a lightweight web server that serves files from a chosen directory, making them accessible to other devices on the network.

The http.server module creates a simple HTTP server that serves files from the current directory when requests are made to the server. This article explains the step-by-step process to share files across network-connected devices using Python.

Step 1: Find the IP Address of the Device

To access files from a device, you need to know its IP address. Use the ipconfig command (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux/Mac) to find the IPv4 address of your device.

Finding IP Address

# On Windows
ipconfig

# On Linux/Mac  
ifconfig

Once you have the IP address, verify the device is reachable using the ping command ?

ping 192.168.1.7

The output shows the device is active and responding ?

Pinging 192.168.1.7 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.7: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.7: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.7: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.7: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

Ping statistics for 192.168.1.7:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss)

Step 2: Start the HTTP Server

Python's http.server module can be started directly from the command line. Navigate to the directory you want to share and run ?

python -m http.server 8000

This command starts the server on port 8000. You can use any available port number instead of 8000.

Starting Server Programmatically

You can also start the server from within a Python script ?

import http.server
import socketserver
import socket

# Get local IP address
hostname = socket.gethostname()
local_ip = socket.gethostbyname(hostname)

PORT = 8000
Handler = http.server.SimpleHTTPRequestHandler

with socketserver.TCPServer(("", PORT), Handler) as httpd:
    print(f"Server running at http://{local_ip}:{PORT}/")
    print("Press Ctrl+C to stop the server")
    httpd.serve_forever()

When you run the server, Windows may show a firewall permission dialog. Click "Allow access" to enable network access.

Step 3: Access Device Files

Once the server is running, other devices on the same network can access the files by ?

• Opening a web browser

• Entering the device's IP address followed by the port number

For example, if the device IP is 192.168.1.7 and server runs on port 8000, access files at ?

http://192.168.1.7:8000/

This opens the file directory in a web browser, showing all files and folders. You can navigate through subdirectories by clicking on folder names.

Step 4: Stop the Server

To stop the server, press Ctrl+C in the command prompt or terminal where the server is running. This safely shuts down the HTTP server and stops file sharing.

Security Considerations

Be cautious when using http.server as it ?

• Provides read-only access by default

• Should only be used on trusted networks

• Does not include authentication or encryption

Conclusion

Python's http.server module provides an easy way to share files across network-connected devices. Simply find your device's IP address, start the HTTP server on a chosen port, and access files through any web browser using the IP:port combination.