How to Install curl on Windows
Installing curl on Windows is a straightforward process that allows you to access and manipulate data from the internet using the command line. curl is a versatile tool that can handle various protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and more. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to install curl on Windows, ensuring you have a powerful tool at your disposal for web development and automation tasks.
Step 1: Download curl for Windows
The first step in installing curl on Windows is to download the appropriate version from the official curl website (https://curl.se/download/). Since curl is open-source software, it is available for free. As of this writing, the latest stable version of curl is 7.83.0.
Step 2: Choose the correct installer
Once you have visited the curl website, you will see a list of available download options. For Windows users, you will want to select the “curl-7.83.0-win64-msvc.exe” installer, which is the 64-bit version of curl compiled with Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC). If you are using a 32-bit system, you should select the “curl-7.83.0-win32-msvc.exe” installer instead.
Step 3: Run the installer
After downloading the curl installer, double-click the executable file to run it. The installer will launch, and you will see a welcome screen. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 4: Accept the license agreement
On the license agreement screen, carefully read the terms and conditions. If you agree to the terms, select “I accept the terms in the license agreement” and click “Next.”
Step 5: Choose the installation directory
Next, you will be prompted to choose the installation directory. The default directory is usually sufficient, but you can modify it if desired. Click “Next” to continue.
Step 6: Customize the installation options
On the customization screen, you can choose additional components to install, such as documentation, examples, and the Win32 build. If you are unsure, you can keep the default options. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 7: Install curl
Once you have selected your installation options, click “Install” to begin the installation process. The installer will copy the necessary files to your chosen directory and compile the Win32 build of curl.
Step 8: Verify the installation
After the installation is complete, click “Finish” to exit the installer. To verify that curl has been installed correctly, open the Command Prompt (cmd) and type the following command:
“`
curl –version
“`
If curl is installed correctly, you will see the version number and build information displayed in the Command Prompt window.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully installed curl on Windows. Now you can use this powerful tool to access and manipulate data from the internet using the command line. With curl, you can automate tasks, download files, and much more. Happy coding!
