never leave the terminal
Table of Contents
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!