About Mihalism

Mihalism.net serves as the reference and documentation hub for the Multi Host ecosystem—self-hosted tools for image and file hosting built with PHP.

Project Background

Multi Host emerged from the need for reliable, self-contained image hosting software that administrators could deploy on their own servers. Rather than depending on third-party services with changing terms and unpredictable availability, Multi Host gives operators complete control over their hosting infrastructure.

The software focuses on practical functionality: accepting uploads, generating thumbnails, organising content, and serving files efficiently. These core capabilities have remained stable while the implementation has evolved alongside PHP and web standards.

Design Philosophy

Several principles guide Multi Host development:

Self-sufficiency: Installations should work without external service dependencies. Core functionality operates with just PHP, a database, and standard server components. Optional integrations exist but aren't required.

Administrator control: Site operators make decisions about their installations. Configuration options expose meaningful choices rather than hiding complexity. Documentation explains implications so administrators can make informed decisions.

Practical security: Security measures protect against realistic threats without creating excessive friction. File validation, access controls, and input handling follow established practices appropriate for user-submitted content.

Sustainable complexity: Features earn their maintenance burden. The codebase stays manageable rather than accumulating rarely-used functionality.

Documentation Approach

This site provides reference documentation for deploying and operating Multi Host installations. Content covers:

• Technical documentation for configuration, requirements, and operational concerns
• Practical guides for common tasks and deployment scenarios
• Product information describing capabilities and use cases

Documentation aims for accuracy and completeness. Examples use realistic configurations rather than minimal demonstrations. Security guidance reflects actual threat models.

The Multi Host Ecosystem

The core Multi Host software handles image and file uploads. Related components address specific needs:

Multi Forum Host adds community features including user discussions, moderation tools, and social interaction around hosted content.

Integrations with content delivery networks, storage backends, and monitoring tools extend functionality for larger deployments.

Historical Context

Image hosting tools evolved significantly over the web's history. Early solutions often prioritised features over security, leading to widespread exploitation. Multi Host development incorporated lessons from these experiences, building security considerations into the architecture rather than adding them as afterthoughts.

The software has adapted as PHP matured, hosting environments changed, and security expectations increased. Modern versions bear little resemblance to early releases while maintaining compatibility and operational continuity for long-running installations.

Contact and Support

For documentation corrections or suggestions, see the contact page.

Multi Host is community-maintained software. Technical discussion and peer support occur through community channels rather than commercial support arrangements.