Curl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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curl

[kɜːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tool

A tool that allows transferring data to or from a server using various protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc.

Synonyms

HTTP tool, command-line tool, data transfer tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curl

Used as a general name for the tool, often in technical discussions or documentation.

  • You can use curl to fetch the data from a webpage.
  • Have you tried using curl for your API testing?
command-line tool

Used to emphasize that curl is operated through the command line interface (CLI).

  • As a command-line tool, curl offers powerful functionality for scripting.
  • Developers prefer command-line tools like curl for automation.
data transfer tool

Used to specify that curl is primarily used for transferring data across networks.

  • When you need a reliable data transfer tool, curl is a good option.
  • We used curl as our data transfer tool for moving files between servers.
HTTP tool

Used to highlight curl's capabilities related to HTTP and other internet protocols.

  • For testing HTTP requests, curl is an essential HTTP tool.
  • Curl is a versatile HTTP tool used by developers to interact with APIs.

Examples of usage

  • Use curl to download a file from the internet.
  • I used curl to make a GET request to the server.
Context #2 | Verb

transfer data

To transfer data to or from a server using the curl tool.

Synonyms

fetch, retrieve, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curl

Used to describe something forming into a curved or spiral shape.

  • The ribbon curled after I cut it.
  • Her hair naturally curls in humid weather.
transfer

Used when moving something from one place to another, especially data or money.

  • We need to transfer the funds to the new account.
  • I will transfer the files to the backup server.
fetch

Often employed in programming context (like JavaScript) when getting data from an external source; also used in everyday language to describe getting something for someone.

  • I need to fetch data from the database.
  • Can you fetch me a glass of water?
retrieve

Typically used in a more formal context to refer to the act of getting back something that was lost or stored away.

  • I need to retrieve the documents from the archive.
  • The dog was trained to retrieve the ball.

Examples of usage

  • You can curl the file from the server.
  • He curled the data to the remote server.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'curl'

The term 'curl' originated in the early 1990s as a shorthand for 'Client for URLs,' then evolved into 'Client URL.' It was first released in 1996 by Daniel Stenberg as an open-source project. Curl has since become a widely used tool for transferring data over various network protocols.


See also: curled, curly, uncurl.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,424, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.