Exploring the Megatools Download Command 'megatools-dl' (with examples)

‘Megatools-dl’ is a command-line utility designed to facilitate seamless downloads of files from the ‘mega.nz’ cloud storage service. It is part of the broader ‘megatools’ suite, which offers various functionalities for interacting with the Mega cloud storage platform. By employing simple yet powerful commands, users can download, upload, and manage files directly from the terminal, making it an excellent tool for those who prefer or require command-line interactions with cloud storage. In this article, we’ll explore various use cases of the ‘megatools-dl’ command, showcasing its versatility and simplicity.

Use case 1: Download files from a mega.nz link into the current directory

Code:

megatools-dl https://mega.nz/...

Motivation:

This example is particularly useful for those who wish to quickly download files from Mega without navigating through their web interface. If you have a link to a specific file or folder on Mega, using this command allows you to retrieve it directly into your current working directory. This is ideal for script automation or when managing multiple downloads swiftly through the terminal.

Explanation:

• megatools-dl: This is the main command used to initiate the download process from Mega.
• https://mega.nz/...: This URL is the specific link to the file or folder you’re aiming to download. It typically contains unique identifiers that point to your desired content on Mega.

Example Output:

Downloading file1.txt...
Downloading file2.jpg...
All files downloaded successfully to /current/directory/.

Use case 2: Download files from a mega.nz link into a specific directory

Code:

megatools-dl --path path/to/directory https://mega.nz/...

Motivation:

This use case is beneficial when you need to organize your downloads into particular folders. Perhaps you have a directory structure set up for different projects or types of files, and you want to ensure all downloads from Mega are directed into these specific locations automatically. Such organization can be critical for maintaining an orderly workspace, especially when dealing with a large amount of data.

Explanation:

• --path path/to/directory: This option specifies the destination directory where the downloaded files should be stored. Replace path/to/directory with your actual desired path.
• https://mega.nz/...: The unique Mega URL pointing to the files you want to download.

Example Output:

Downloading into /path/to/directory 
Processing link - mega.nz link
Files successfully downloaded to /path/to/directory.

Use case 3: Interactively choose which files to download

Code:

megatools-dl --choose-files https://mega.nz/...

Motivation:

At times, you might encounter Mega links that contain multiple files, and you may only need to download a few of them instead of the entire batch. This command allows users to selectively download files through an interactive prompt. It is especially useful for saving bandwidth or disk space, and for users who wish to exercise greater control over their downloads.

Explanation:

• --choose-files: This flag initiates an interactive prompt that lists all available files from the provided Mega link, allowing you to select which ones to download.
• https://mega.nz/...: The link containing multiple files from which you’ll make your selection.

Example Output:

Fetching file list from mega...
Select files to download:
1. file1.txt
2. file2.jpg
3. file3.pdf
Enter numbers separated by space: 1 3
Downloading file1.txt and file3.pdf...
Selected files downloaded successfully.

Use case 4: Limit the download speed in KiB/s

Code:

megatools-dl --limit-speed 500 https://mega.nz/...

Motivation:

There are occasions when controlling the download speed is necessary, particularly if you are on a metered or shared internet connection. Limiting the speed prevents the download from consuming too much bandwidth, ensuring that other critical tasks or users on the network are not disrupted. It is an excellent feature for maintaining network stability during large or continuous download operations.

Explanation:

• --limit-speed 500: This option sets the maximum download speed to 500 KiB/s. You can adjust the number to suit your bandwidth needs.
• https://mega.nz/...: The link to the file or files you’re downloading.

Example Output:

Applying speed limit of 500 KiB/s...
Downloading file1.txt...
Current speed: 495 KiB/s
Download completed at the restricted speed setting.

Conclusion:

‘Megatools-dl’ offers a reliable and efficient means to download files from Mega, catering to various user needs through its flexible command options. Whether you are looking to automate downloads, organize your files, selectively choose content, or manage network resources effectively, ‘megatools-dl’ provides the command-line solutions to integrate seamlessly into your workflows. With the examples explored, users can maximize their productivity while leveraging the robust capabilities of the Mega cloud storage via the command line.