# Alt-SendMe — Serverless Peer-to-Peer File Transfer

> An open-source tool for sending files and folders directly between devices without cloud storage, using encrypted P2P connections with no size limits.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Alt-SendMe — Serverless Peer-to-Peer File Transfer

## Quick Use
```bash
# Send a file (generates a share code)
alt-sendme send ./my-file.zip

# Receive on another device
alt-sendme receive <share-code>
```

## Introduction
Alt-SendMe is an open-source file transfer tool that sends files and folders directly between any two devices using encrypted peer-to-peer connections. It requires no cloud accounts, has no file size restrictions, and supports resumable transfers over the QUIC protocol.

## What Alt-SendMe Does
- Transfers files of any size directly between devices without cloud intermediaries
- Encrypts all data in transit using BLAKE3 hashing and modern cryptography
- Supports resumable transfers that continue after network interruptions
- Uses NAT hole-punching and QUIC for fast peer-to-peer connectivity
- Provides both CLI and desktop GUI interfaces via Tauri

## Architecture Overview
Alt-SendMe uses the QUIC protocol for fast, multiplexed transfers with built-in encryption. Connection establishment leverages hole-punching techniques to traverse NATs without requiring port forwarding. Files are chunked and hashed with BLAKE3 for integrity verification. The desktop app is built with Tauri and React for a lightweight cross-platform UI.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install the CLI binary or download the desktop app for your OS
- No server setup required; connections are direct peer-to-peer
- Configure relay servers as fallback when hole-punching fails
- Set bandwidth limits and concurrent transfer caps in preferences
- Transfer codes are one-time use and expire after completion

## Key Features
- No file size limits and no cloud storage involved
- End-to-end encryption with BLAKE3 and modern cipher suites
- Resumable transfers that survive network drops
- Cross-platform: Linux, macOS, Windows via Tauri desktop app
- No accounts, sign-ups, or third-party dependencies

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Magic Wormhole** — similar P2P concept but slower protocol, no resume support
- **croc** — P2P file transfer in Go, similar but less modern protocol stack
- **WeTransfer** — cloud-based, 2GB free limit, requires browser
- **ShareDrop** — WebRTC-based, limited to same network or small files
- **OnionShare** — uses Tor for anonymity, slower due to onion routing

## FAQ
**Q: Do both parties need the app installed?**
A: Yes. Both sender and receiver need the Alt-SendMe CLI or desktop app.

**Q: Is there a file size limit?**
A: No. Files of any size can be transferred directly between peers.

**Q: What happens if the connection drops mid-transfer?**
A: Transfers are resumable. Re-run the receive command to continue from where it stopped.

**Q: Does it work across different networks?**
A: Yes. NAT hole-punching allows connections across most network configurations.

## Sources
- https://github.com/tonyantony300/alt-sendme

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/alt-sendme-serverless-peer-peer-file-transfer-633b40a0
Author: AI Open Source