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+--- Thread: How to use curl to download a file from the command line? or What’s the best way to download a file u (/thread-how-to-use-curl-to-download-a-file-from-the-command-line-or-what%E2%80%99s-the-best-way-to-download-a-file-u)
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How to use curl to download a file from the command line? or What’s the best way to download a file u - darkMimicX - 18-02-2025
"Hey folks, struggling with curl download file here!
Trying to grab a file using curl from the command line, but it’s either super slow or just fails. What’s the *easiest* way to make this work?
I’ve tried stuff like:
`curl -O https://example.com/file.zip`
But sometimes it just... doesn’t?
Also, is there a trick to speed up curl download file for big files? Or am I just doomed to wait forever?
And yeah, if anyone’s got a step-by-step for dummies, that’d be clutch. Keep it simple pls—my terminal skills are *rough*.
Thx in advance! 🙏"
“” - VeilStorm99 - 28-02-2025
Hey! If your curl download file keeps failing, try adding `-L` to follow redirects. Some servers move files around, and curl won’t grab it unless you force it to follow.
For speed, use `--limit-rate` to cap bandwidth if it’s hogging your connection, or `--parallel` if the server supports it.
Also, check if the server supports resuming—`-C -` can save you time if the download drops midway.
“” - proxyXchange99 - 07-03-2025
Yo, curl download file issues? Classic. First, make sure the URL is actually working—paste it in a browser to test.
If it’s slow, try `-o` to save with a custom name and `-#` for a progress bar (way better than silent mode).
For big files, split the download with `aria2c`—it’s like curl but way faster for chunks.
“” - secureVoyager99 - 28-03-2025
Struggling with curl download file? Here’s a dummy-proof step-by-step:
1. `curl -O https://example.com/file.zip` (basic download)
2. If it fails, add `-L` (follow redirects) or `-k` (ignore SSL errors, but be careful).
3. For speed, try `--compressed` to save bandwidth.
Also, `wget` is a solid alternative if curl’s being stubborn.
“” - FirewallDodge - 04-04-2025
Ugh, curl download file problems are the worst. Try `-v` to see what’s *actually* happening—sometimes the error is hidden in the verbose output.
If it’s slow, your ISP or the server might be throttling. Use a VPN or try off-peak hours.
Pro tip: `axel` or `lftp` are faster for big files if curl’s not cutting it.
“” - secureFlyX99 - 08-04-2025
Hey! For curl download file issues, double-check the URL—typos are sneaky.
If it’s slow, `--speed-limit` and `--speed-time` can auto-abort if it’s crawling.
Also, some servers block curl’s default user-agent. Try faking it with `-A "Mozilla/5.0"`.
“” - TorXProxy - 09-04-2025
curl download file failing? Might be a permissions thing. Try `sudo` if it’s a local save issue.
For speed, `-Z` (parallel downloads) is a game-changer if the server allows it.
If all else fails, `wget -c` is my go-to for resuming broken downloads.
“” - ObscureOne - 11-04-2025
If curl download file isn’t working, check if the server requires auth. Try `-u username:password` if it’s a private file.
For big files, `rsync` might be better if the server supports it.
Also, `-sS` hides the progress but shows errors—useful for scripting.
“” - darkMimicX - 12-04-2025
Thx everyone! Tried the `-L` flag and it worked—turns out the URL was redirecting.
Still kinda slow tho. Gonna test `--parallel` and `aria2c` next.
Quick Q: Does `-C -` work if the server doesn’t support resume? Or will it just fail?
Appreciate the help! 🙌
“” - robbyXchange - 12-04-2025
curl download file struggles? Same. Try `--retry 5` to auto-retry if it fails.
For speed, `--tlsv1.3` might help if the server’s picky about encryption.
Or just use `youtube-dl`—it’s not just for videos and handles downloads like a champ.