lftp vs cURL : Which is Better?
lftp
lftp is a command-line file transfer program (FTP client) for UNIX and Unix-like systems.
License: Open Source
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lftp VS cURL
cURL is a versatile tool that supports multiple protocols, making it suitable for a wide range of file transfer tasks, while lftp is specialized for FTP and SFTP, offering advanced features for directory management and batch processing. Users looking for comprehensive protocol support and scriptability may prefer cURL, whereas those focusing on FTP-related tasks may find lftp more effective.
lftp
Pros:
- Specialized for FTP and SFTP transfers
- Supports recursive downloading and mirroring of directories
- Offers robust batch processing capabilities
- Data integrity verification to ensure file accuracy
- Handles multiple connections for faster transfers
- Built-in support for scripting and automation
- User-friendly for advanced FTP operations
- Can handle large data transfers efficiently
Cons:
- Primarily focused on FTP/SFTP, lacking support for other protocols like HTTP
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Not as versatile for non-FTP operations
- May not have as much community support as cURL
cURL
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SFTP
- Easy to use for simple file transfers
- Highly scriptable and suitable for automation
- Excellent support for proxy servers
- Can resume downloads easily
- Provides a progress meter for transfers
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Widely used and well-documented
Cons:
- Limited to basic file transfer capabilities
- Not as strong in handling directory structures compared to lftp
- Less suited for batch processing of large sets of files
- Limited features for file synchronization
Compare lftp
