How to Download Files Using curl on Linux: A Beginner's Guide

Opening the Terminal and Checking curl Installation

• 💻 Open the terminal by searching for 'Terminal' in your applications.
• 🧐 Verify curl installation by typing curl --version and pressing Enter.

Downloading Files with Original Filename (curl -O)

• 🚀 To download a file and keep its original server filename, use the command curl -O [URL].
• 🔗 Paste the direct URL of the file you wish to download.
• 📊 Observe the download progress, including percentage, data received, time spent, and speed.
• ✅ After the download, verify the file's presence in your current directory using ls.

Downloading Files with a Custom Filename (curl -o)

• ✍️ To save a downloaded file with a specific name, use the command curl -o [new_filename] [URL].
• 📄 This is useful for files with long or complicated server-generated names.
• 💾 Enter your desired filename followed by the file's URL.
• 📈 The download process will show similar progress indicators as the -O option.
• 📁 Confirm the file has been downloaded with your custom name in the directory.