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davfs2
What it is
davfs2 is free Linux software that mounts a WebDAV resource in the local file system, allowing applications to use it through the standard file-system interface. The project describes accessing documents from different locations, creating a workspace for distributed groups, and editing websites through WebDAV. Connections support SSL, proxies, HTTP Basic and Digest authentication, and client certificates. davfs2 runs as a userspace daemon and integrates with Linux through FUSE; its manual also documents Coda support. It keeps local copies of open files, so sufficient local disk space is required. Non-root users need an /etc/fstab entry and membership in the davfs2 group. Mounting initially requires root privileges before the daemon changes user and group IDs. Mounts always apply nosuid and nodev, including for root. Local ownership and permission changes are not sent to the WebDAV server. Installation requires the neon library and a kernel with Coda or FUSE support. The project is licensed GPL-3.0-or-later.
For and against
For
- Mounts WebDAV through the file-system interface
- Supports SSL, proxies, and client certificates
- Works with FUSE and documents Coda support
- Free GPL-3.0-or-later software
- Supports HTTP Basic and Digest authentication
Against
- Requires enough disk for local file copies
- Non-root mounts need fstab and group setup
- Root privileges are needed to mount
- Local permissions do not reach the server
The verdict
davfs2 provides a direct Linux file-system path to WebDAV resources with several authentication and transport options. Setup involves system dependencies and permissions, while local file and permission behavior has defined limits.
Who it suits
davfs2 suits Linux users who need WebDAV resources presented as local file systems. It is aimed at self-hosted setups and users able to configure FUSE, permissions, and mount settings.
Plans and prices
davfs2
Free software; GPL-3.0-or-later
Read 7 Oct 2026 · savannah.nongnu.org
On the record
- Dependencies
- The installation instructions list the neon library and a kernel with either Coda or FUSE support as prerequisites.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Intended uses
- The project describes using it to access documents from different locations, provide a workspace for a geographically distributed work group, or edit a website through WebDAV.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The Fedora package page lists davfs2 under GPL-3.0-or-later.packages.fedoraproject.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Linux integration
- davfs2 runs as a userspace daemon and integrates with the Linux virtual file system through FUSE; the manual also documents Coda support.manpages.debian.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Local file copies
- davfs2 keeps local copies of open files, so available local disk space must be sufficient for them.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Local permissions
- Unix ownership and permission changes apply locally and are not conveyed to the WebDAV server.manpages.debian.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Mount restrictions
- The manual says nosuid and nodev are always set, and even root cannot change them.manpages.debian.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privilege handling
- The manual says mount.davfs needs root privileges to mount, then changes its user and group IDs when entering daemon mode.manpages.debian.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- davfs2 is a Linux file system driver that mounts a WebDAV resource in the local file system so applications can use it through the file system interface.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Release
- A Savannah release mirror lists davfs2-1.7.3.tar.gz dated March 12, 2026.openbsd.c3sl.ufpr.br · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support channel
- The README points users to the davfs2 support tracker on Savannah.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- User mounts
- The README says non-root users need an /etc/fstab entry and membership in the davfs2 group to mount resources.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- WebDAV support
- davfs2 supports SSL, proxies, HTTP Basic and Digest authentication, and client certificates.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
