A download manager for the shell
Convenient Downloads

© Lead Image © xyzproject, 123RF.com
A few lines of shell code and the Gawk scripting language make downloading files off the web a breeze.
Almost everyone downloads data from the Internet. In most cases, you use the the web browser as the interface. Usually, websites offer files for download that you can click on individually in the browser. By default, the files usually end up in your Downloads/
folder. If you need to download a large number of files, manually selecting the storage location can quickly test your patience. Wouldn't it be easier if you had a tool to handle this job?
In this article, I will show you how to program a convenient download manager using Bash and a scripting language like Gawk. As an added benefit, you can add features that aren't available in similar programs, such as the ability to monitor the disk capacity or download files to the right folders based on their extensions.
Planning
Programming a download manager definitely requires good planning and a sensible strategy. Obviously, the download manager should download files, but it should also warn you when the hard disk threatens to overflow due to the download volume. Because most files have an extension (e.g., .jpg
, .iso
, or .epub
), the download manager also can sort your files into appropriately named folders based on the extensions.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
Kali Linux 2022.3 Released
From the creators of the most popular penetration testing distributions on the planet, comes a new release with some new tools and a community, real-time chat option.
-
The 14" Pinebook Pro Linux Laptop is Shipping
After a considerable delay, the 14" version of the Pinebook Pro laptop is, once again, available for purchase.
-
OpenMandriva Lx ROME Technical Preview Released
OpenMandriva’s rolling release distribution technical preview has been released for testing purposes and adds some of the latest/greatest software into the mix.
-
Linux Mint 21 is Now Available
The latest iteration of Linux Mint, codenamed Vanessa, has been released with a new upgrade tool and other fantastic features.
-
Firefox Adds Long-Anticipated Feature
Firefox 103 has arrived and it now includes a feature users have long awaited…sort of.
-
System76 Refreshes Their Popular Oryx Pro Laptop with a New CPU
The System76 Oryx Pro laptop has been relaunched with a 12th Gen CPU and more powerful graphics options.
-
Elive Has Released a New Beta
The Elive team is proud to announce the latest beta version (3.8.30) of its Enlightenment-centric Linux distribution.
-
Rocky Linux 9 Has Arrived
The latest iteration of Rocky Linux is now available and includes a host of new features and support for new architecture.
-
Slimbook Executive Linux Ultrabook Upgrading Their CPUs
The Spanish-based company, Slimbook, has made available their next generation Slimbook Executive Linux ultrabooks with a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake CPU.
-
Fedora Linux is Coming to the Raspberry Pi 4
Thanks to significant work in the upstream, the upcoming release of Fedora 37 will introduce support for the Raspberry Pi 4.