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curl

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Overview

curl is a command-line tool for transferring data to or from a server using URLs, supporting protocols including DICT, FILE, FTP, FTPS, GOPHER, GOPHERS, HTTP, HTTPS, IMAP, and others.3 It is designed for developers, system administrators, and scripters needing to make network requests, test APIs, download files, or automate data transfers.36 Its standout features include extensive protocol support, configurable options for authentication, cookies, and timeouts, and cross-platform availability as a lightweight utility.3

Key Features

  • Protocol Support - Handles DICT, FILE, FTP, FTPS, GOPHER, GOPHERS, HTTP, HTTPS, IMAP, and more for versatile data transfers.3
  • Authentication Methods - Supports Basic, Digest, NTLM, Negotiate (SPNEGO), and other HTTP authentication types.6
  • Data Upload Options - Posts data using --data, --data-binary, --data-urlencode, or form emulation with -F.36
  • Cookie Handling - Manages cookies with --cookie and --cookie-jar for session persistence.3
  • Timeout Controls - Sets connection and maximum timeouts via --connect-timeout and --max-time.3
  • Config Files - Reads options from config files using --config for reusable command setups.3
  • Output Control - Saves responses with -O or --output, continues partial downloads with -C.3
  • Proxy Support - Routes traffic through proxies with configurable options.3

Pricing

PlanPriceIncludes
Free$0Full feature set, source code access, community support.

Platforms & Requirements

curl compiles and runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and any Unix-like system with minimal dependencies.3 On Windows, it seeks CA certs in curl.exe directory, current directory, or PATH.3 No specific minimum requirements beyond standard C library; source build recommended for custom setups.

Integrations & Ecosystem

  • HTTP/HTTPS APIs (direct requests)
  • FTP/FTPS for file transfers
  • IMAP for email access
  • Shell scripting (bash, etc.)
  • Config files for option reuse
  • CA cert bundles for SSL/TLS

Alternatives

AppDifference
wgetPrimarily for downloading files via HTTP/FTP/HTTPS; lacks broad protocol support and upload features of curl.
httpieUser-friendly CLI HTTP client with colored output; less protocol support and not as ubiquitous as curl.
Postman CLI (newman)GUI-focused API testing tool's CLI; heavier, less suited for simple transfers than curl.
aria2Multi-protocol download utility; focuses on parallel downloads, weaker on uploads and API testing.

Reputation

curl is widely regarded as a reliable, essential command-line tool for network data transfer and API testing, pre-installed on most Unix-like systems and used in countless scripts and docs.34 Strengths include its stability, vast option set, and active maintenance since 1998.3 Criticisms focus on its verbose syntax and man page length, which can overwhelm beginners despite extensive documentation.3

Sources (10)
  1. https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/atlas.en-us.api_rest.meta/api_rest/quickstart_using_curl.htm
  2. https://configseeder.com/demo/curl/
  3. https://curl.se/docs/manpage.html
  4. https://developer.zendesk.com/documentation/api-basics/getting-started/installing-and-using-curl/
  5. https://docs.developer.disruptive-technologies.com/explore-our-rest-api/with-curl
  6. https://curl.se/docs/tutorial.html
  7. https://github.com/pocketbase/pocketbase/discussions/3887
  8. https://docs.oracle.com/en/industries/construction-engineering/lobby/rest-api/D285028.html
  9. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/iis-support-blog/using-curl-for-isolation-of-web-related-issues/4369609
  10. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7838406