SWS: The Shell Script as Web Server
Developer Brett Wynkoop has written the code for a simple web server called Simple/Small/Shell Web Server (SWS) in the form of a shell script.
SWS is ideal to serve static content on the web; however, the open source program lacks a CGI-Interface. The script works with Bourne-compatible shells and requires the standard Unix programs dirname, cat, and date. According to Wynkoop, installation consists of putting the program somewhere, making it executable, creating the document directory, and creating an entry in inetd.conf. He has tested his small server in FreeBSD, Solaris, and Linux.
SWS 1.0 creates index pages for directory listings on the fly and includes a "404 Page" for the "File not found" error message. The server is available for download as a stand-alone script and as a tarball, and includes a man page on the SWS-powered project home page.
The SWS is published with a BSD-license.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.