What is agora?

Agora serves a local directory over HTTP with file listings and downloads. When linked to an LND node, it can require Lightning Network invoice payment before allowing downloads of paid files. Free and paid files coexist in one instance, controlled by per-directory .agora.yaml files. It can fetch TLS certificates automatically via Let's Encrypt ACME. Distribution options include ready-made executables for Linux, macOS, and Windows, a Docker image, and source builds with Cargo. There is no user authentication — access to paid files is gated by payment status. Development has been inactive since late 2022.

Should you self-host agora?

agora scores 41/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #67 of 86 in File Sharing. It has 196 GitHub stars.

There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.

Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. It is CC0-1.0-licensed and written mostly in Rust.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is copyparty (82/100, 47 163 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See agora vs copyparty side by side.