How to Use Laner

Laner is a fast and secure file-sharing application that allows seamless file transfer between your PC and phone and vice-verse over a local network. Here's how to use both the desktop and phone versions effectively:

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Desktop Version (Host)

Starting the Server

1. Launch the App: Open the Laner desktop application on your PC.

2. Connect to a Local Network:

   • Make sure your PC is connected to a local network or hotspot.
   • Internet access is not required.

3. Start the Server:

   • Click the Start Server button.
   • The app will display your local server address (IP code).
   • This code will be used to connect your phone to the desktop.

4. Server Status:

   • The status label will show "Server Running" once the server starts.
   • Avoid sharing the displayed code with unauthorized users.

5. Optional:

   • Use the Hide Code button to conceal the IP address for privacy.
   • Click End Server to stop hosting files.

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System Tray Features

• The app runs in the system tray when minimized.
• Right-click the tray icon to access:
  • Show: Reopen the app.
  • Quit: Close the app entirely.

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Phone Version (Client)

Connecting to the Desktop

1. Install and Open the App: Launch the Laner app on your phone.

2. Enter the Server Code:

   • Navigate to the Link tab.
   • Input the server code (IP address) displayed on the desktop app.

3. Verify Connection:

   • If successful, the app will display the file system from your PC.
   • If not, ensure both devices are on the same network.

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Browsing and Downloading Files

1. Browse Files:
   • Use the grid layout to explore the folders and files hosted on your PC.
2. Download Files:
   • Tap the Download button on a file card.
   • Files are saved in the Downloads/Laner folder on your phone.

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Uploading Files to Desktop

1. Select Files to Upload:

   • Tap the Upload button in the app.
   • Choose files from your phone’s storage.

2. Transfer Files:

   • The selected files are uploaded to the current folder on your PC.

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Managing Hidden Files

• To view hidden files on your PC, enable the Show Hidden Files option in the phone app's Settings tab.

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Troubleshooting

• Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi or hotspot.
• Restart the desktop server if the connection fails.
• Grant necessary permissions on the phone app (storage access, notifications).

FAQs

1. Do I need an active internet connection to use Laner?

No, Laner works entirely over a local network. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi or hotspot.

2. Where are downloaded files saved on my phone?

All downloaded files are stored in the Downloads/Laner folder on your phone.

3. How do I stop the server on my desktop?

Click the End Server button in the desktop app. This stops hosting files and ends the connection.

4. What if I can’t connect my phone to the server?

• Ensure both devices are connected to the same local network.
• Verify the IP address (code) shown on the desktop app matches the one entered on your phone.
• Restart the desktop server or your router if necessary.

5. Can I hide files from being shared?

Yes, hidden files can be excluded by default. Use the Show Hidden Files toggle in the phone app's settings to control this.

6. What happens when I minimize the desktop app?

The desktop app runs in the system tray. You can reopen it by right-clicking the tray icon and selecting Show.

7. Can I upload files from my phone to the PC?

Yes, use the Upload button in the phone app to select files for upload. Files will be saved to the desktop folder on your PC.

8. Does Laner support large file transfers?

Yes, but ensure both devices have sufficient storage space and a stable connection for large files.

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Advanced Settings

For Desktop Users

1. Running in Background

   • The desktop app can continue serving files while minimized to the system tray. Use the tray menu for quick controls.

2. Using a Static IP Address

   • If your network assigns dynamic IPs, the server address might change. Configure a static IP on your router for consistency.

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For Phone Users

1. Customizing Themes

   • Laner supports dark and light themes. Switch between them via your phone's system theme settings.

2. Default Download Location

   • Downloads are saved in Downloads/Laner. If needed, you can modify this path in the app code by updating the makeDownloadFolder() function in templates.py.

3. Offline Mode

   • While the app doesn't require the internet, you can use a phone hotspot with no data plan to create a local network.

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For Developers

1. Extending Functionality

   • Laner is open-source. You can add features like file previews, password-protected sharing, or multi-user support by extending its existing codebase.

2. Changing the Default Port

   • By default, Laner uses port 8000 for the server.

• To scan a list of ports and use the first available one, update the run_server() method in the desktop app's main file:

  ports = [8000, 8080, 9090]  # List of ports to scan
  
  for port in ports:
      try:
          # Attempt to start the server on the current port
          self.server = FileSharingServer(port, '/')
          self.server.start()  # Start the server
          print(f"Server running on port {port}")
          break  # Exit the loop if the server starts successfully
      except OSError:
          print(f"Port {port} is unavailable, trying the next one...")
  else:
      print("All specified ports are in use. Please free up a port and try again.")

• This ensures the server scans through a list of ports (8000, 8080, 9090, etc.) and uses the first available one. If no port is available, an error message will be displayed.

3. Contributing to Laner
   • Fork the project repository, make your changes, and submit a pull request for review.