What Does the Name curl Stand For?

In the world of software development and networking, curl is one of the most widely used command-line tools. This article explains the meaning behind the name “curl,” its origins, and how this powerful tool got its name from its primary function of interacting with URLs.

The name curl stands for “Client URL” (and is often stylized as cURL). The name directly represents the tool’s core functionality: acting as a client-side command-line tool and library designed to transfer data to and from a server using various network protocols, all directed by URLs.

Beyond “Client URL,” the creator of the tool, Daniel Stenberg, has pointed out that the name can also be read as a play on words meaning “see URL” (pronounced “C-URL”). This double meaning is fitting, as the tool is frequently used to fetch, view, and inspect the contents of specific web addresses.

Before settling on the name curl, the project went through several iterations and name changes: * httpget: In 1996, the project began as a simple script to automatically fetch currency exchange rates from an HTTP website. * urlget: When support for uploading and downloading data via FTP was added, the name was changed to reflect the addition of protocols beyond HTTP. * curl: In 1998, as the tool grew to support even more protocols and features, the developer rebranded it as curl.

Today, curl is built into almost every major operating system, powering data transfers behind the scenes in countless applications, servers, and smart devices.