cURL and wget are both command-line tools that can be used to download files from the internet. However, there are some key differences between the two tools.
cURL is a more versatile tool than wget. It can be used to download files from a wider variety of protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SCP, SFTP, and Telnet. cURL can also be used to upload files, post data to forms, and perform other tasks.
wget is a simpler tool than cURL. It is designed specifically for downloading files from the web. wget can only download files from HTTP and HTTPS protocols. However, wget is more reliable than cURL, and it is better at handling slow or unstable connections.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between cURL and wget:
Feature | cURL | wget |
---|---|---|
Protocols supported | HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SCP, SFTP, Telnet | HTTP, HTTPS |
Features | Uploading files, posting data to forms, other tasks | Downloading files |
Reliability | Less reliable | More reliable |
Handling of slow or unstable connections | Worse | Better |
Which tool should you use?
If you need a versatile tool that can be used to download files from a wide variety of protocols, then cURL is the better choice. However, if you only need to download files from the web, then wget is a simpler and more reliable tool.
Here are some examples of when you might want to use cURL:
- To download a file from a FTP server
- To upload a file to a SFTP server
- To post data to a form on a web page
- To perform a complex HTTP request
Here are some examples of when you might want to use wget:
- To download a file from a website
- To mirror an entire website
- To download a file from a slow or unstable connection
In summary, cURL and wget are both valuable tools for downloading files and interacting with web servers from the command line in Linux. cURL is more versatile and suitable for tasks requiring advanced features and multiple protocols, while wget is simpler and excels at basic file downloads and mirroring websites. The choice between cURL and wget depends on the specific requirements of the task you want to accomplish.