Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

A few years ago I talked about Directory Lister, a minimal application to exhibit a directory or online file to be publicly shared. Today I want to present a more advanced alternative: FileGator. It is a Php Open Source file manager, installed on a traditional web space, which allows loading, Management and sharing of files through a convenient web interface.

Unlike Lister's Directory, Filegator allows authenticated access with credentials, The management of multiple users, Folder permits and loading via Drag and Drop.

Requirements

• A web space with PHP ≥ 7.2 (tested with php 8.4)
• FTP access or file manager of the hosting panel

Note: Filegator does not work in environments where only the function is active safe_mode of PHP or where the writing/reading permits are missing in the directory private.

Download and installation

1. Scarica FileGator: Download it from repository GitHub ufficiale (Build already compiled, no it source code).
2. Extract and load the files: Upload the contents of the archive to the desired directory of your site. For example: https://tuosito.it/filegator/.
3. Set permissions: Set the reading and writing permits to the Directory private/ and to all its subcarters:

   chmod -R 775 private/

   Or use your hosting file manager.
   
4. Access from the browser: Go to the address you uploaded Filegator (this is. https://tuosito.it/filegator/).
   
5. Default credentials:
   Username: admin
   Password: admin123
   Remember to change the credentials immediately after the first access!
   

Creation folders and users

Once the login is made as an administrator:

1. Clicca su “Users” → “Add user”.
2. Insert username, password and set the basic route to a subcartella to be assigned to the user.
3. Set permissions (download, upload, batch download, zip, etc..).
4. Salva. The user will only have access to that folder.

File sharing

Currently Filegator does not support public links with expiry, But it allows the creation of distinct accounts for each person to whom you want to offer access, even with limited permits (reading only, writing alone, etc..).

If you want a person to access a specific folder:

• Create a user with root set to that folder
• Communicate to that username and password person

FileGator vs Directory Lister

Characteristic	FileGator	Directory Lister
Users authentication	✔️ (multiturant)	❌
File loading	✔️ (drag & drop)	❌
Folder permits	✔️	❌
Graphics interface	Modern, tipo file manager	Minimal, static list
Download multipli/ZIP	✔️	✔️
Public sharing	✔️ Solo via account	✔️ Public link
Link with deadline	❌	❌
Configuration	Via interface and php files	Simple, config.php

Final thoughts

Filegator proved to be a solid tool for managing and private sharing of files on PHP server. The modern interface and the possibility of managing multiple users make it a valid alternative to other dated or simple scripts.

For whom, come me, Look for an autonomous and respectful solution of privacy, Filegator represents an excellent balance between functionality and lightness.