Command-line interfaces (CLI) are often perceived as tools reserved for only seasoned system administrators. However, they can be incredibly useful and efficient for a wide range of tasks, including internet browsing. In this article, we will explore how to browse the internet using the command line in Ubuntu.
Yes, it is possible to browse the internet using the command line in Ubuntu. There are several command-line browsers available, such as ELinks, Lynx, w3m, Surfraw, Links2, and Browsh, each with its own features and capabilities. These browsers are lightweight, fast, and can be useful for tasks like testing, automation, and accessing the internet over SSH connections.
Introduction to Command Line Browsing
Command line browsers are text-based browsers that run in the terminal. They are lightweight, fast, and can be used on systems with limited resources or over SSH connections. They are also useful for testing, automation, and can be a lifesaver when the GUI is unavailable.
ELinks
ELinks is a powerful text-mode web browser. It supports various protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and more. It also supports tabbed browsing, bookmarks, and even background downloads.
To install ELinks, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install elinksTo open a webpage, type:
elinks <url_of_the_webpage>For example:
elinks https://www.google.comLynx
Lynx is another popular command-line web browser. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use.
To install Lynx, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install lynxTo open a webpage, type:
lynx <url_of_the_webpage>For example:
lynx https://www.google.comw3m
w3m is a unique command-line browser that can handle tables, frames, color, and even inline images if you’re using an XTerm.
To install w3m, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install w3mTo open a webpage, use the command:
w3m <url_of_the_webpage>For example:
w3m https://www.google.comSurfraw
Surfraw provides a fast unix command line interface to a variety of popular WWW search engines and other artifacts of power.
To install Surfraw, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install surfrawTo search Google, for example, use the command:
sr google <search_query>For example:
sr google "command line browsers"Links2
Links2 is a more advanced text-based browser that can run in both pure text and graphics mode.
To install Links2, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install links2To open a webpage, use the command:
links2 <url_of_the_webpage>For example:
links2 https://www.google.comBrowsh
Browsh is a modern, feature-rich browser that renders HTML5, CSS3, and even WebGL. It can be installed by following the instructions on the Browsh website.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored various ways to browse the internet from the command line in Ubuntu. Each browser has its own set of features and capabilities, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re looking to conserve resources, automate tasks, or simply prefer the command line, these tools offer a powerful alternative to traditional web browsers.
Yes, you can browse the internet using command line browsers in Ubuntu. There are several options available, such as ELinks, Lynx, w3m, Links2, and Browsh.
To install a command line browser in Ubuntu, you can use the apt-get command followed by the name of the browser you want to install. For example, to install ELinks, you can use sudo apt-get install elinks.
Yes, some command line browsers like Browsh are capable of rendering HTML5, CSS3, and even WebGL. However, not all command line browsers have this capability, so it’s important to choose the right browser for your needs.
No, command line browsers can be useful for a wide range of tasks, not just for system administrators. They can be lightweight, fast, and efficient, making them suitable for systems with limited resources or for tasks like testing and automation.
Yes, some command line browsers like ELinks support tabbed browsing, allowing you to open multiple webpages in separate tabs within the same browser instance. This can be useful for multitasking and organizing your browsing sessions.
Yes, command line browsers can be used over SSH connections. As they are text-based, they can be accessed and used remotely through SSH, making them a handy tool for browsing the internet on remote servers or machines.
Yes, command line browsers like ELinks support background downloads, allowing you to download files from the internet directly within the browser. This can be useful for automated tasks or when you want to download files without launching a graphical web browser.
Yes, some command line browsers like ELinks and Lynx support bookmarking functionality. You can save and organize your favorite webpages for quick access within the browser.
Yes, command line browsers like Surfraw provide a command line interface to popular search engines. You can search the web directly from the command line by using the appropriate commands and specifying your search query.
Yes, apart from command line browsers, you can also use text-based web proxies like LynxProxy or text-based web wrappers like w3mimgdisplay to render webpages in a terminal. These alternatives provide different functionalities and capabilities compared to command line browsers.
