links

Browse the web in text mode

TLDR

Visit a website

$ links [https://example.com]

Apply restrictions for anonymous account

$ links -anonymous [https://example.com]

Enable Cookies (1 to enable)

$ links -enable-cookies [0|1] [https://example.com]

Navigate forwards and backwards through the links on a page

$ [ArrowUp|ArrowDown]

Go forwards and backwards one page

$ [ArrowLeft|ArrowRight]

Exit

$ <q><y>

-anonymous
    Disable TCP keep-alive packets.

-base
    Set base URL for the first document.

-charset
    Set default document charset.

-dump
    Dump first document to stdout.

-dump-charset
    Set charset for dumping.

-dump-width
    Set width for dumping.

-driver
    Specify driver to use.

-g
    Enable graphics mode (if available).

-http-proxy
    Set HTTP proxy.

-http-user
    Set HTTP proxy user.

-http-password
    Set HTTP proxy password.

-numbering
    Number links when dumping.

-source
    Dump the HTML source.

-version
    Print version information.

DESCRIPTION

Links is a text-mode web browser that supports tables, frames, multiple character sets, color highlighting, partial HTTP/1.1, HTTPS, and more. It is designed to be fast and lightweight, making it suitable for use on low-bandwidth connections or in terminal environments. Links can display complex web pages with formatting, though without support for JavaScript or CSS. It offers several rendering options including graphics mode via X11 or framebuffer. Configuration is done through the menus and settings are saved for future sessions. Its low resource usage makes it suitable for older hardware and situations where minimal resource consumption is a priority.

The browser offers basic navigation features such as history, bookmarks, and URL completion. Users can navigate using the keyboard, making it efficient for terminal-based browsing. Links supports various text encodings, allowing it to display web pages in different languages. It is often used in environments where a graphical web browser is not available or practical.

CAVEATS

Links does not support JavaScript or CSS. This means that many modern websites will not display correctly or will not function as intended.

CONFIGURATION

Links can be configured through an in-browser menu system. Options can be set for display, networking, and other aspects of browser behavior. Configuration settings are typically saved to a configuration file for persistence across sessions.

CHARACTER SETS

Links supports multiple character sets, allowing it to display web pages in various languages. The character set can be specified via command-line option or configured through the menu system.

HISTORY

Links was initially developed as a fork of the lynx text browser. It was created to address shortcomings and provide additional features such as table and frame support, which were lacking or poorly implemented in lynx at the time. Over time, Links diverged significantly, becoming a distinct browser with its own development path. It has been actively maintained and updated to support evolving web standards, within the constraints of its text-based nature.

Its development focused on speed, efficiency, and wide platform compatibility, making it popular for systems with limited resources. While lynx remains a popular choice, Links provides an alternative with enhanced features within the text-based browsing paradigm.