In the world of file sharing, BitTorrent is a well-known name. It’s a protocol that enables fast downloading of large files using minimum Internet bandwidth. While many users are familiar with graphical torrent clients, there are several command-line clients that are more resource-friendly and can be used in a terminal or a headless server. This article will guide you through some of the most popular command-line torrent clients.
Command-line torrent clients are resource-friendly and efficient tools for downloading files using BitTorrent protocol. They can be used in a terminal or a headless server, making them ideal for systems with limited resources. Some popular command-line torrent clients include Transmission, rTorrent, Deluge, aria2c, and ctorrent.
Transmission
Transmission is a default BitTorrent client in many Linux distributions like Ubuntu. It’s known for its simplicity and resource efficiency.
To install the command-line interface of Transmission, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install transmission-cliTo download a torrent, use the transmission-cli command followed by the torrent file or magnet link:
transmission-cli file.torrentIn this command, file.torrent is the path to your torrent file. Transmission will start downloading the file to the current directory.
rTorrent
rTorrent is a powerful and lightweight BitTorrent client with a text-based user interface. It’s highly customizable and known for its speed.
To install rTorrent, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install rtorrentTo start a download, use the rtorrent command followed by the torrent file:
rtorrent file.torrentIn this command, file.torrent is the path to your torrent file.
Deluge
Deluge is a versatile torrent client written in Python. It offers multiple user interfaces, including a command-line interface.
To install Deluge, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install deluge-consoleTo start Deluge in console mode, use the deluge-console command. You can add a torrent with the add command followed by the torrent file or magnet link:
deluge-console "add file.torrent"aria2c
aria2c is a multiprotocol command-line downloader. It supports HTTP, FTP, and BitTorrent.
To install aria2c, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install aria2To download a torrent, use the aria2c command followed by the torrent file:
aria2c file.torrentctorrent
ctorrent is a console-based BitTorrent client written in C++. It’s a simple and lightweight client that can be used remotely.
To install ctorrent, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install ctorrentTo start a download, use the ctorrent command followed by the torrent file:
ctorrent file.torrentIn conclusion, command-line torrent clients are powerful tools for downloading files. They are resource-friendly and can be used on servers or systems with limited resources. While they might lack the user-friendly interface of graphical clients, they make up for it in efficiency and speed.
Yes, most command-line torrent clients mentioned in this article are available for Windows as well. However, the installation process may be different. You can search for the specific installation instructions for each client on their respective websites.
Yes, you can control command-line torrent clients remotely by using SSH (Secure Shell) to access the terminal of the machine running the client. This allows you to manage and monitor your downloads from any device with SSH capabilities.
Yes, command-line torrent clients are designed to handle multiple downloads simultaneously. You can add multiple torrent files or magnet links to the client, and it will manage the downloads concurrently.
Most command-line torrent clients provide a status screen or a command to display the progress of your downloads. For example, in rTorrent, you can press the Ctrl key and then the D key to view the status screen. In Transmission, you can use the transmission-remote command with appropriate options to check the status of your downloads.
Yes, command-line torrent clients offer options to limit the upload and download speeds. For example, in rTorrent, you can set the maximum upload and download speeds in the configuration file. In Transmission, you can use the --max-upload-limit and --max-download-limit options to specify the limits.
Yes, command-line torrent clients provide options to prioritize specific files within a torrent. For example, in rTorrent, you can use the Prioritize command to change the priority of individual files. In Transmission, you can use the transmission-remote command with appropriate options to prioritize files.
Some command-line torrent clients, like rTorrent, support scheduling downloads. You can configure the client to start or stop downloads at specific times using the built-in scheduler feature. However, not all command-line clients have this capability, so it is important to check the documentation of the specific client you are using.
Command-line torrent clients themselves are safe to use, as they are just software applications. However, it is important to exercise caution when downloading and sharing files through torrent networks. Always download from trusted sources and use reputable torrent trackers. Additionally, make sure your system is protected with up-to-date antivirus software to prevent any potential malware infections.
