Linux Command Line
The ‘wget’ command is a powerful tool in Linux that allows users to download files from the Internet through the command line. This command is particularly useful for automating file downloads or for downloading large files in a terminal environment where GUI-based browsers may not be available. In this article, we will explore the various uses of the ‘wget’ command, including when to use it, how to use it, and some practical examples.
When to Use the ‘wget’ Command
The ‘wget’ command is particularly useful for downloading files from the Internet in a terminal environment. This can be useful for servers that do not have a GUI, for automating file downloads, or for downloading large files that may be impractical to download via a browser. Additionally, the ‘wget’ command can be used to download files over a network, even if the network connection is not stable.
How to Use the ‘wget’ Command
The basic syntax of the ‘wget’ command is as follows:
wget [options] [URL]
For example, the following command can be used to download a file from the Internet:
wget http://www.example.com/file.zip
The ‘wget’ command also supports a variety of options that can be used to customize the download process. Some of the most commonly used options include:
-N: This option can be used to download a file only if it is newer than the local version.
-c: This option can be used to continue a download that was previously interrupted.
-r: This option can be used to recursively download files from a website.
Practical Examples
- Downloading a file from the internet: wget http://www.example.com/file.zip
- Downloading a file and continuing if the download was interrupted: wget -c http://www.example.com/file.zip
- Downloading all files in a directory recursively: wget -r http://www.example.com/dir/
- Downloading a file and only if it is newer than the local version: wget -N http://www.example.com/file.zip
The ‘wget’ command is a powerful tool in Linux that allows users to download files from the Internet through the command line. This command is particularly useful for automating file downloads or for downloading large files in a terminal environment where GUI-based browsers may not be available. By understanding when to use the ‘wget’ command and how to use it with options, you can make the most of this powerful command and streamline your file downloads in Linux.
See our list of 75 Linux commands you should know about.
