How to Use the Command 'axel' (with Examples)

Axel is a command-line download accelerator that enables faster download speeds from servers by using multiple connections for one download. It supports a range of protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP, making it versatile for various network operations. Its advantage lies in its lightweight nature and straightforward command options, enhancing ease of use for downloading files efficiently.

Use Case 1: Download a URL to a File

Code:

axel url

Motivation:

Sometimes, you need to quickly download a file from a URL using the command line. Utilizing a tool like Axel provides the advantage of accelerated download speeds by creating multiple connections to the destination server. This is particularly useful in reducing wait times for large files.

Explanation:

• axel is the command used to invoke the download tool.
• url specifies the location of the file you wish to download. Axel will take this URL, initiate the download process, and accelerate the download speed by creating and maintaining multiple connections to the server hosting the file.

Example Output:

Upon running this command, you’ll see output indicating the number of connections, percentage completed, and the estimated time remaining for the download. This helps in monitoring the download progress and speed efficiency.

Use Case 2: Download and Specify an [o]utput File

Code:

axel url -o path/to/file

Motivation:

While downloading files, you may want to save them with a specific name or in a particular directory. Axel allows you to designate where the downloaded file should be saved and under what name. This ensures that your file system remains organized and files are easy to locate.

Explanation:

• axel is the tool activated for the download process.
• url represents the link from which the file will be downloaded.
• -o is the flag used to specify the output file path.
• path/to/file is the location and the file name you want to assign to the downloaded data.

Example Output:

Running this command will show the progress of the download. On completion, the file will be available at the specified file path, exactly where you directed Axel to store it.

Use Case 3: Download with a Specific [n]umber of Connections

Code:

axel -n connections_num url

Motivation:

When downloading large files, using more connections can significantly increase the speed. Axel can be configured to use a determined number of simultaneous connections to maximize download throughput based on your network’s capabilities, which comes in handy when other tasks need a hefty portion of the internet bandwidth, such as video streaming or conferencing.

Explanation:

• axel initiates the download process.
• -n specifies the flag for the number of connections.
• connections_num tells Axel how many simultaneous connections you desire for the download process.
• url is the link to the file being downloaded.

Example Output:

The command output will list multiple instances of connections being initiated. The enhanced speed is visible in the progress indicators through an elevated average download rate. The exact completion time reduction might vary depending on your network capacity and server speed.

Use Case 4: [S]earch for Mirrors

Code:

axel -S mirrors_num url

Motivation:

Some files are hosted across various mirror locations to optimize traffic and availability. Axel can search and connect to these mirrors, distributing download tasks among them to potentially accelerate the downloading process and circumvent glitches from a single source that might experience downtime or decreased speed.

Explanation:

• axel is the downloader tool being activated here.
• -S indicates the intent to search for and use available mirrors for downloading.
• mirrors_num denotes the intended number of mirror connections.
• url remains as the standard parameter giving Axel the download origin.

Example Output:

You might see Axel accessing various URLs, each indicating a different mirror site. This broadens the availability and might boost the download speed while minimizing risk of a single point of failure.

Use Case 5: Limit Download [s]peed (bytes per second)

Code:

axel -s speed url

Motivation:

Under certain conditions, you might want to control the bandwidth consumption of downloads to ensure sufficient resources for other applications. Axel allows you to cap the download speed to maintain a balance between downloading files and performing other network-critical tasks simultaneously.

Explanation:

• axel starts the download procedure.
• -s is the flag determining the speed limit for the download.
• speed is the value representing your chosen speed cap in bytes per second.
• url provides the location of the file to be downloaded.

Example Output:

With this command execution, the download speed will adhere to your specified limit, showing a consistent download rate that ensures network bandwidth is preserved for other uses.

Conclusion:

Axel is an efficient tool for downloading files via command line, equipped with features that allow download speed acceleration, output management, connection adjustments, mirror searching, and speed limiting. These capabilities render it a versatile utility for optimizing network usage, providing an effective balance between speed and resource management across various download requirements.