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Chapter 24: Using the Web > The cURL Program
The popularity of Lynx has spawned another similar product, called cURL. The cURL program allows you to automatically transfer files from the command line using a specified URL. It currently supports the FTP, FTPS, HTTP, HTTPS, SCP, SFTP, TFTP, telnet, DICT, LDAP, LDAPS, and FILE protocols as specified in URLs.
While cURL isn't used as a Web page browser per se, it allows you to easily send or retrieve data unattended directly from the command line, or your shell scripts, just by using a simple command. This provides a great tool to have in your shell scripting toolbox.
This section walks you through the process of installing and using cURL in your shell scripts.
Caution
There's also a programming language called curl, owned and marketed by the Sumisho Computer System Corporation. Don't confuse cURL with the curl programming language.