The curl command in Linux explained
The curl command transfers data from or to a web address. It is one of the most useful commands for anyone using a live USB drive or a fresh Linux install.
Syntax
curl [options] url
Examples
curl -I https://example.com: show the response headerscurl -O https://example.com/file.zip: download a file
Tip
Add -L to follow redirects.
Keep learning
New to the terminal? Start with Linux terminal basics. You can try every command safely from a live session: see how to try Linux without installing it. Run man curl in a terminal for the full manual.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see every option for curl?
Run man curl for the full manual, or try curl --help for a short summary.
Do I need sudo to run curl?
Not for your own files. You only need sudo when the command changes something owned by the system or another user.
Is it safe to practise curl on a live USB drive?
Mostly yes, because a live session starts fresh each time. Be careful with commands that write to your internal disk, such as rm on a mounted drive or dd.