never leave the terminal

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of browsing the web using the terminal, a skill that can enhance your productivity and technical prowess in IT. By leveraging command-line tools, you can access website content without a graphical browser, making it a valuable technique for developers and system administrators.

Step 1: Install a Terminal-Based Web Browser

To begin browsing in the terminal, you need to install a terminal-based web browser. Here are two popular options:

• Lynx
• w3m

Installation Instructions

• For Ubuntu/Debian:

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install lynx
  

• For CentOS/Fedora:

  sudo dnf install lynx
  

• For macOS (using Homebrew):

  brew install lynx
  

Step 2: Launch the Browser

After installation, you can launch the browser from your terminal.

How to Launch Lynx

• Type lynx followed by a URL. For example:

  lynx https://example.com
  

Step 3: Navigate Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Once inside Lynx, navigation is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the following keyboard shortcuts:

• Use the arrow keys to scroll through links.
• Press Enter to follow a link.
• Press B to go back to the previous page.
• Press Q to quit the browser.

Step 4: View and Download Files

Lynx also allows you to view and download files directly from the terminal.

Viewing Files

• Navigate to a link that leads to a text file or document, then press Enter to view it.

Downloading Files

• If you want to download a file, navigate to the link and follow the prompts to save it.

Step 5: Use w3m for Enhanced Features

If you prefer a browser with more features, consider using w3m. It supports images and is more user-friendly.

Installation Instructions

• For Ubuntu/Debian:

  sudo apt install w3m
  

Launching w3m

• Use the following command to start browsing:

  w3m https://example.com
  

Key Features of w3m

• Supports inline images if you run it within a terminal that supports graphics.
• Allows more intuitive navigation with similar keyboard shortcuts as Lynx.

Conclusion

Browsing the web via the terminal is an efficient way to access information without the distractions of a graphical interface. By installing and using Lynx or w3m, you can streamline your workflow and improve your command-line skills. Consider exploring additional terminal tools and commands to enhance your IT knowledge further. Happy browsing!