jdownloader

jdownloader [OPTIONS]

(no arguments)
    Launches the JDownloader graphical user interface (GUI). This is the default and most common usage for interactive desktop environments.

--headless
    Starts JDownloader in a non-graphical (headless) mode. This is ideal for server environments or systems without a display, where control is typically managed remotely via My JDownloader or local CLI commands.

--cli
    Activates JDownloader's built-in command-line interface. When used, JDownloader will either present an interactive prompt for further commands or execute subsequent arguments as direct commands. This mode allows for scripting and automation.

--add-link <url>
    Adds a specified URL (or a list of URLs) to JDownloader's download queue. This option is typically used in conjunction with --cli or when JDownloader is running in headless mode. Example: jdownloader --cli --add-link https://example.com/file.zip.

--start
    Instructs JDownloader to begin processing its download queue and start all pending downloads. Often used with --cli or within automation scripts.

--stop
    Pauses or stops all active downloads in JDownloader. This command is useful for temporarily halting operations, especially in automated or headless setups.

--exit
    Shuts down the running JDownloader instance gracefully. This is typically used in scripts or when managing JDownloader in a headless environment.

--update
    Initiates an update check and installation process for JDownloader's core components and plugins. While often handled automatically, this command can force an update.

JDownloader is a free, open-source download manager written in Java, designed to simplify and automate the process of downloading files from the internet. It excels particularly with 'one-click hosters' and services that often require CAPTCHA solving or waiting times.

Key features include automatic CAPTCHA recognition, pausing and resuming downloads, managing multiple parallel downloads, bandwidth limitations, and automatic file extraction (e.g., RAR, ZIP). It's highly extensible through numerous plugins, supporting thousands of websites and services. JDownloader also integrates with browser extensions for easier link grabbing.

While primarily a graphical user interface (GUI) application, JDownloader offers various command-line options for launching, controlling, and interacting with it, making it suitable for server environments or automation scripts via its headless and CLI modes.

JDownloader requires a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to be installed on the system. Its resource consumption can be significant, especially with many active downloads or complex link parsing. The exact command-line options and their behavior can sometimes vary slightly depending on the specific JDownloader installation method (e.g., official installer vs. community packages) and the version of the wrapper script.

JDownloader offers a cloud-based service called My JDownloader, which allows users to remotely control their JDownloader instance from any web browser or mobile application. This enables managing downloads, adding links, and checking status from anywhere, complementing the headless and CLI modes for server installations.

A core strength of JDownloader is its highly modular and extensible architecture. It supports thousands of plugins that add support for new hosters, decryption methods, automatic extraction, and various other features, allowing it to adapt to ever-changing internet download landscapes. Users can often find plugins for specific needs or develop their own.

JDownloader was first released around 2008 by Appwork GmbH, quickly gaining popularity as an open-source solution for managing downloads, particularly from 'one-click hosters' that were prevalent at the time. Its comprehensive plugin system and ability to bypass various download barriers (like CAPTCHAs and wait times) made it a go-to tool. JDownloader 2 (JD2) represents a complete rewrite, introducing a more modern architecture and improved performance, continuing its development as a leading download manager.

wget(1), curl(1), aria2c(1), uget(1), yt-dlp(1)