speedtest-cli: Internet speed testing tool

Harnessing the Power of Speedtest-cli on Linux

In the connected world of today, internet speed is more crucial than ever, impacting everything from streaming videos to real-time data access. Thankfully, Linux users have a powerful tool at their disposal to measure internet connectivity performance directly from the command line. That tool is speedtest-cli, a command-line interface program that leverages the renowned Ookla's Speedtest servers to gauge your internet speed easily and accurately.

What is speedtest-cli?

speedtest-cli is a Python-based script that enables you to check your upload and download speeds along with other metrics like ping, directly from your terminal. This tool is essential for troubleshooting connection issues, verifying claimed speeds, or satisfying pure curiosity about your internet connection.

Prerequisites

Before you begin installing speedtest-cli, ensure that Python is installed on your system since the tool is written in Python. You can verify this by typing:

python --version

python3 --version

in your terminal. If Python isn't installed, you need to install it using your system’s package manager.

Installation Instructions

The installation method of speedtest-cli varies depending on your Linux distribution. Let’s go over how to install speedtest-cli using different package managers:

Using apt (for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu)

Open your terminal.
First, update your package list to ensure you access the latest versions available:
```
sudo apt update
```
Install speedtest-cli:
```
sudo apt install speedtest-cli
```

Using dnf (for Fedora and other RHEL-based systems)

Open your terminal.
Update your system (optional but recommended):
```
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
```
Install speedtest-cli:
```
sudo dnf install speedtest-cli
```

Using zypper (for openSUSE)

Open your terminal.
Refresh repository information:
```
sudo zypper refresh
```
Install speedtest-cli:
```
sudo zypper install speedtest-cli
```

How to Use speedtest-cli

Once installed, using speedtest-cli is straightforward. To run a basic speed test, simply type:

speedtest-cli

in your command line.

For more detailed results, including a URL to the Speedtest.net result page, use:

speedtest-cli --share

You can also display a list of all available commands and options by typing:

speedtest-cli --help

Conclusion

speedtest-cli offers a convenient and powerful way to test your internet speed from the Linux command line. As it integrates with the reliable infrastructure of Speedtest by Ookla, it provides accurate results that can help you in diagnosing network issues or simply bragging about your internet speed to friends.

With the straightforward installation process across various Linux distributions and its ease of use, speedtest-cli is an essential tool for any tech-savvy individual or IT professional looking to keep tabs on their network performance. Whether you're on Ubuntu, Fedora, or openSUSE, you've now got the knowledge to implement this tool and take full control of monitoring your internet speed.