cURL: Definition, History,
Benefits and How it Works
Understanding cURL
cURL is an abbreviation for Client URL which is a command line tool and is used to transfer data using URLs. cURL was developed to provide a simple event in communicating with the server.
This tool has become popular in web development and system integration which as an open source technology, is quite multifunctional and reliable.
cURL can support several different protocols, including HTTPS and HTTP, and can run on almost all operating systems. This makes cURL ideal for testing networks on almost all devices from a local server to most edge devices.
History of cURL
The history of cURL was originally developed by Daniel Stenberg in 1997 as “url get” then evolved into “cURL”. CURL quickly became popular because of its ability to transfer data with URLs and its cross-platform compatibility so it is very useful for developers.
cURL is an open source project and has a special community and continues to contribute to its development so that it can expand its functionality and add support in various protocols such as SCP, FTP, HTTP, and others.
Over the years, the use of cURL has become more widespread for API testing, saving URL content, and downloading files.
The command-line interface is capable of making it integrate and automate into scripts. Then the libcurl library allows seamless integration into various applications.
Benefits of cURL
cURL is a very useful tool in website development, so it is comparable to the benefits of cURL.
The following are the benefits of cURL that can be known.
This cURL can be available on various operating systems so that it supports cross-platform.
Facilitates downloading and uploading files.
Its resources are very light so that it will be used efficiently on the platform because it produces small resources.
cURL is supported by SSL / TLS so that it facilitates secure data transfer and will be suitable for accessing HTTPS URLs.
Useful for testing APIs and interacting with website services.
cURL features
These are some of the cURL features that users can enjoy
1. Data Transfer Protocol
The features of cURL can support many data transfer protocols, namely LDAP, SCP, FTPS, FTP, HTTPS, HTTP, and others.
2. Authentication Features
This feature includes NTLM, Digest, and Basic. The previous feature makes incoming access protected using valid credentials.
3. Upload and Download Features
This feature is useful for downloading and uploading files to the server. File synchronization and file backup are available to make it easier for users to restore their files.
4. Cookie Management Features
This feature is useful for managing cookies in user files or facilitating authentication.
5. Proxy Features
This proxy feature is useful for maintaining privacy or overcoming restrictions in cURL.
How cURL Works
The way cURL works is by operating on the command prompt, so it allows users to interact using many website services directly.
Not only that, users can send HTTP or FTP requests to download or upload files that are later connected using the API without the need to use a graphical user interface.
How to Install cURL
For those of you who use macOS, you can use the cURL that is already available. You can open the terminal application and then use it. While Windows users have two options to install it and here’s how to Install cURL
Download then install cURL via the official website
If the latest version is available, download the latest version to get a more relevant system
You can run the installer and follow the instructions.
Client URL or cURL is a command line tool and is used as a data transfer tool using URLs. This feature is open source and free to access for Windows or macOS users.
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