1. Beginner’s Guide: How to Install curl on Ubuntu (apt & snap)
What is curl?
curl is an open-source tool that allows you to transfer data from the command line. It supports many protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP, making it useful for various purposes including sending API requests and downloading files.
Benefits of Using curl on Ubuntu
Ubuntu may not have curl installed by default. However, since curl is required for downloading software and performing API operations, installing it early is highly useful. Additionally, curl can be executed with simple commands and is suitable for automation in scripts.
2. Method ①: Install curl Using apt
What is apt?
apt (Advanced Package Tool) is the package management system used in Ubuntu. It allows you to install, update, and remove software from Ubuntu’s official repository. The official repository provides a stable version of curl.
Steps to Install curl with apt
- Update the package list
sudo apt update- Install curl
sudo apt install curl- Verify the installation
curl --versionPros and Cons of Installing with apt
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High stability because it is provided through the official Ubuntu repository | The available version may not be the latest |
| Security updates are applied automatically | Certain features may be limited depending on the version |
3. Method ②: Install curl Using snap
What is snap?
snap is a newer package management system available for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. snap packages manage dependencies independently, making them less affected by system version differences.
Steps to Install curl with snap
- Check whether snap is enabled
snap --version- Install curl using snap
sudo snap install curl- Check the snap version of curl
curl --versionPros and Cons of Installing with snap
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Latest version is usually available | Requires snap environment (not installed by default) |
| Less affected by other system components | May take longer to start |
4. Basic Usage of curl
Once curl is installed, try the basic commands below.
Retrieve a Web Page
This command retrieves the HTML data of the specified URL:
curl https://example.comDownload a File
To download a file, use the -O option:
curl -O https://example.com/sample.txtSend an API Request
Use the -X option when sending an API request:
curl -X GET https://api.example.com/dataTo obtain data in JSON format with headers specified:
curl -X GET https://api.example.com/data -H "Content-Type: application/json"5. Troubleshooting curl Installation Issues
curl: command not found Error
Solution:
- Check whether curl is installed:
which curl- If not installed, reinstall using
sudo apt install curl.
Could not resolve host Error
Solution:
- Check network connectivity and DNS settings.
- Verify connection using
ping google.com.
If the Version is Outdated
Solution:
- If you need the latest version, install the snap package.
6. FAQ
Q1: How do I update curl to the latest version?
A1: Wait for the Ubuntu official repository to update, or install the snap version.
Q2: What is the difference between curl and wget?
A2:
- curl: Supports various data transmission operations including API requests.
- wget: Primarily specialized for downloading files.
Q3: Can curl send HTTPS requests?
A3: Yes, curl supports HTTPS. You can disable certificate checks using the -k option.
7. Summary
This article explained how to install curl on Ubuntu using apt or snap, how to use basic curl commands, and how to troubleshoot common errors.
Main Takeaways
✅ curl may not be installed by default on Ubuntu
✅ apt is the standard installation method, but snap provides newer versions
✅ curl is useful for API requests and downloading files
✅ Check error messages carefully and apply the appropriate fix
curl is an extremely useful tool when working with Ubuntu, so installing it in advance will be beneficial.
