Using `wget` and `curl` to Download Files from the Internet

Mastering File Downloads in Linux: Using wget and curl

In the world of Linux, downloading files from the internet is a frequent task whether you're a software developer, system administrator, or just a regular Linux user. There are several command-line tools at your disposal to make this job easier, but the most popular among them are wget and curl. In this guide, we'll explore how to use these tools to download files and also make sure they are installed on your system using different package managers such as apt, dnf, and zypper.

Ensuring wget and curl are Installed

Before diving into how to use wget and curl, let's make sure these tools are installed on your system. The installation method depends on the Linux distribution you are using.

Debian/Ubuntu Systems

On Debian-based systems (like Ubuntu), you generally use apt:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wget curl

Fedora Systems

For Fedora (which uses dnf):

sudo dnf install wget curl

openSUSE Systems

On openSUSE, use zypper:

sudo zypper install wget curl

Confirm the installations by running wget --version and curl --version in your terminal.

Using wget to Download Files

wget is a non-interactive network downloader that supports HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP protocols. It is well-loved for its simplicity and robustness. Here’s how you can use it:

Basic Download

To download a file using wget, simply use the following command:

wget [URL]

Where [URL] is the link to the file you wish to download.

Downloading in the Background

If you want to continue using your terminal while downloading a large file, you can run wget in the background:

wget -b [URL]

Downloading to a Specific Directory

To download a file to a specific directory, use the -P option:

wget -P /path/to/directory [URL]

Resuming a Download

If your download gets interrupted, you can resume it using the -c option:

wget -c [URL]

Using curl to Download Files

curl is another powerful tool used for transferring data with URLs. Unlike wget, curl is designed to work without user interaction.

Basic Download

With curl, the syntax to download a file is:

curl -O [URL]

The -O option tells curl to save the file with the same name as in the URL.

Saving with a Different Name

If you want to save the file under a different name, use the -o option followed by the desired file name:

curl -o newfilename [URL]

Making Silent Downloads

If you do not want curl to show any output on the terminal, use the -s option:

curl -s -O [URL]

Conclusion

Both wget and curl are mighty tools that help you efficiently manage downloads on Linux. Whether choosing one over the other depends on personal preference or specific details of the task at hand. For simple, straightforward downloads wget can be ideal, whereas curl provides more flexibility, especially where multiple forms of data transfer protocol are concerned.

By understanding these tools and learning to use them effectively, you can streamline your workflows and handle data across the internet with ease and precision.