magic-wormhole provides a secure way to get files from one computer to another using short, human-pronounceable codes. It uses PAKE (Password-Authenticated Key Exchange) to establish an encrypted connection without requiring pre-shared secrets or complex setup between the two parties.
📑 Table of Contents
The tool generates easy-to-remember wormhole codes like “7-crossover-clockwork” that can be communicated verbally or through any channel. This makes it perfect for transferring sensitive files when you need security but don’t have pre-established trust or infrastructure.
Key Features
- Human Codes – Easy to speak and type codes
- PAKE Security – Secure key agreement protocol
- No Registration – Works without accounts or setup
- Text and Files – Send messages or files
- Directory Support – Send entire folders
- Transit Relay – Works through NAT
Installation
sudo apt install magic-wormhole # Debian/Ubuntu
pip install magic-wormhole # Via pip
sudo dnf install magic-wormhole # FedoraBasic Usage
# Send a file
wormhole send file.txt
# Outputs: wormhole receive 7-crossword-glossary
# Receive the file
wormhole receive 7-crossword-glossary
# Send text message
wormhole send --text "Secret message"
# Receive text
wormhole receive 3-elephant-notebook
# Send directory
wormhole send mydir/Use Cases
- Secure File Sharing – Send sensitive documents
- Password Sharing – Securely transmit credentials
- Cross-Platform Transfer – Between different OS
- Ad-Hoc Sharing – No prior setup needed
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