Filebrowser: A Self-Hosted File Sharing server

In modern software development, managing and organizing files is crucial for both developers and users. While local storage systems and cloud services provide efficient ways to store and retrieve data, having a simple, web-based file management system can streamline operations significantly. This is where Filebrowser, an open-source file management tool, comes into play. By running Filebrowser within a containerized environment (such as Docker), users can quickly deploy a reliable, scalable, and portable file management solution for their projects.

What is Filebrowser?

Filebrowser is a web-based file management system designed to allow users to browse, upload, and manage their files through an intuitive interface. It is often used as a self-hosted application that can provide a simple solution for organizing and accessing files on servers or personal cloud systems.

Key features of Filebrowser include:

• User Management: Admins can create and manage users, providing each with specific access permissions.
• File Uploading: Supports file uploads with a drag-and-drop interface.
• Customization: Users can customize the layout and branding of the interface.
• API Support: Provides APIs for deeper integrations.
• Security: Authentication options, SSL support, and logging to ensure safe file management.
• Mobile Friendly: Optimized for use on mobile devices with responsive design

How to Install Filebrowser Using Docker Compose

One of the easiest ways to set up Filebrowser on a server is by using Docker and Docker Compose, which simplifies the process and allows for a clean, isolated environment for your Filebrowser instance.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

• A server or local machine with Docker and Docker Compose installed.
• A basic understanding of Docker and Docker Compose.

Set Up Docker Compose File

Now, we will define the docker-compose.yml file, which will specify the services (Filebrowser and the database) and their configurations.

Create and open the docker-compose.yml file using your preferred text editor and add the following content to the file

services:
  filebrowser:
    image: hurlenko/filebrowser
    user: "${UID}:${GID}"
    ports:
      - 8088:8080
    volumes:
      - ./DATA_DIR:/data
      - ./CONFIG_DIR:/config
    environment:
      - FB_BASEURL=/filebrowser
    restart: always

Start the Containers

Now that your docker-compose.yml file is ready, you can start the containers using Docker Compose.

Run the following command from the directory where your docker-compose.yml file is located:

docker-compose up -d

This command will download the necessary Docker images (if not already downloaded), create the containers, and start the services in detached mode (background).

Access Filebrowser

Once the containers are up and running, you can access your Filebrowser instance by navigating to:

http://<your-server-ip>:8088

You should see the Filebrowser setup page. You’ll be asked to:

• Default username and password for your Filebrowser which is admin/admin.

Conclusion

Running Filebrowser in a containerized environment is an excellent way to deploy a file management solution that is scalable, portable, and easy to maintain. By using Docker, users gain flexibility, and the ability to quickly set up, run, and scale their Filebrowser instance with minimal configuration. Whether for personal file management or as part of a larger project, Filebrowser’s features and ease of deployment make it a compelling option for anyone needing a self-hosted web-based file browser.