Introduction to qrcp
qrcp, pronounced as "QR copy," is an innovative tool that allows users to transfer files seamlessly over Wi-Fi from their computer to a mobile device by scanning a QR code. It accomplishes this without the need to exit the terminal, making it a practical solution for quick file transfers. The tool is available as open-source software and is continuously developed by the community.
How It Works
qrcp operates by binding a web server to the Wi-Fi interface's address on a random port. When a user wants to send or receive a file, qrcp creates a QR code that contains a URL pointing to this server. This URL follows the structure:
http://{address}:{port}/{random_path}
Once the QR code is scanned through most mobile QR code applications, it is decoded, and the browser on the mobile device opens the URL, starting the download process automatically.
Features
File Sending
Sending files with qrcp is straightforward. To transfer a single file, users simply issue a command like:
qrcp MyDocument.pdf
qrcp can also handle multiple files, creating a zip archive to bundle them together before transfer:
qrcp MyDocument.pdf IMG0001.jpg
qrcp Documents/
File Receiving
For receiving files, qrcp sets up an "upload page" accessible via a QR code. Users can specify the target directory for receiving files:
qrcp receive
qrcp receive --output=/tmp/dir
Configuration
qrcp provides flexibility through various configuration options. By default, it requires no setup but can be configured to improve usability for specific needs, such as setting the network interface or specifying paths for URL creation.
Installation
qrcp supports multiple operating systems including Linux, Windows, and macOS. On Linux, it can be installed using package managers like AUR for Arch Linux or through downloading .deb or .rpm packages for Debian-based and Red Hat-based systems, respectively. Installation on Windows can be facilitated through Scoop or Chocolatey, while macOS users can use Homebrew.
Advanced Usage
HTTPS Support
For secure file transfers, qrcp supports HTTPS. Users can enable this by providing a TLS certificate and key, ensuring that data is encrypted during transmission.
Keep Alive and Other Options
qrcp offers the option to keep the server running even after a file transfer is completed, facilitating multiple transfers to different devices without restarting the service.
Community and Contributions
qrcp originated from an idea by Claudio d'Angelis and has since evolved with contributions from a growing community. Developers and enthusiasts are encouraged to join the project, suggest improvements, or create similar tools inspired by qrcp's functionality.
Conclusion
qrcp offers a simple yet effective means of transferring files across devices using QR codes, leveraging the ease of Wi-Fi connectivity. It's a valuable tool for tech-savvy users who appreciate command-line operations and is backed by strong community support for ongoing development. Whether as a quick solution for personal file transfers or as a base for further innovation, qrcp serves a practical and modern file-sharing need.