deluge

Download a torrent

$ deluge [url|magnet|path/to/file]

$ deluge [[-c|--config]] [path/to/configuration_file] [url|magnet|path/to/file]

$ deluge -u [gtk|web|console] [url|magnet|path/to/file]

$ deluge [[-l|--logfile]] [path/to/log_file] [url|magnet|path/to/file]

deluge [OPTIONS]

--config=
    Specifies the directory where Deluge stores its configuration files. This option is useful for managing multiple distinct configurations or portable setups.

--logfile=
    Redirects log output from the client to the specified file. This is particularly useful for debugging purposes and monitoring Deluge's operations.

--loglevel=
    Sets the verbosity level for log messages. Possible levels include: debug, info, warning, error, and critical.

--profile=
    Loads a specific profile. This can be used to quickly switch between different user setups, configurations, or daemon connections.

--version
    Displays the installed version of the Deluge client and exits.

--help
    Shows a brief help message detailing available command-line options for the Deluge client and exits.

Deluge is a free and open-source BitTorrent client for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is designed to be lightweight, secure, and feature-rich, built with a strong emphasis on a daemon-client architecture. The core functionality is handled by the deluged daemon running in the background, which manages all BitTorrent activity. This design allows various user interfaces to connect to it, offering flexibility for remote control or headless server deployments. Deluge supports a wide array of features through its robust plugin system, including blocklist filtering, torrent creation, bandwidth scheduling, and more. It offers a GTK3-based graphical user interface (launched by the deluge command), a web user interface (deluge-web), and a console user interface (deluge-console), catering to diverse user preferences and environments.

The deluge command itself is a graphical client that connects to the deluged daemon. For full functionality and to manage torrents, the deluged daemon must be running in the background. Without an active daemon, the client will not be able to perform any BitTorrent operations or display torrent status.

While designed to be lightweight, resource consumption (CPU, RAM, and disk I/O) can still become significant with a very large number of active torrents or extremely high download/upload speeds.

Deluge distinguishes itself with a unique daemon-client architecture. The deluged process operates continuously in the background, handling all BitTorrent network communication, file management, and plugin execution. The deluge command (GTK UI), deluge-console, and deluge-web are merely user interfaces that connect to this daemon. This design enables headless operation, remote control, and ensures torrents continue downloading even if the UI is closed or the user logs out.

A cornerstone feature of Deluge is its robust plugin system. Users can significantly extend its functionality by installing a wide variety of community and official plugins. These add-ons can introduce features such as RSS feed integration, notification systems, torrent renaming, label management, and much more, greatly contributing to Deluge's flexibility and adaptability.

Beyond the default GTK desktop client (launched by the deluge command), Deluge offers a versatile suite of interfaces. This includes a powerful command-line interface (deluge-console) for terminal-based control, and a feature-rich web interface (deluge-web) accessible via any modern web browser. This diversity provides users with flexible options for interacting with their torrents, whether locally on a desktop or remotely from another device.

Deluge was first released in 2006 by developers Zach Tibbitts and Alon Goldstein. Written entirely in Python, it quickly gained recognition for its modular design and the clear separation of its core daemon from the user interface. This innovative architecture allowed for the independent development of various front-ends (GTK, Web, Console), catering to diverse user needs and system environments. Over the years, Deluge has seen continuous development, enhancing its performance, features, and stability, solidifying its reputation as a flexible and extensible BitTorrent client within the open-source community.

deluged(1), deluge-console(1), deluge-web(1), qbittorrent(1), transmission-gtk(1), rtorrent(1)