Hey guys! Ever wondered how to check your internet speed without using a web browser? Well, the Speedtest CLI (Command Line Interface) is your answer! It's a handy tool that lets you test your internet connection directly from your terminal. In this guide, we'll dive deep into everything about Speedtest CLI, from installation to usage and even troubleshooting. So, whether you're a tech-savvy user or just curious about your internet speed, this is the place to be. Let's get started!

What is Speedtest CLI? Why Should You Use It?

First things first, what exactly is the Speedtest CLI? It's a command-line interface version of the popular Speedtest.net website. Developed by Ookla, it allows you to test your internet speed (download, upload, and ping) directly from your computer's terminal or command prompt. Think of it as a super-powered speed test you can run without opening a browser. Awesome, right?

So, why should you use it? Speedtest CLI offers several advantages. Firstly, it's incredibly convenient. You can quickly check your internet speed without navigating through a website. Secondly, it's great for automation. You can schedule speed tests to run automatically and log the results over time, helping you monitor your internet performance. Thirdly, it's useful for troubleshooting. If you're experiencing slow internet speeds, you can use the CLI to identify if the problem is with your connection or something else. Finally, it's perfect for those who love the command line or need a lightweight way to test their internet speed on servers or headless devices. It's really versatile!

Using Speedtest CLI is pretty straightforward. You'll need to install it first, which we'll cover in the next section. Once installed, you can run the speedtest command to start the test. The CLI will then connect to a nearby server and measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency). The results are displayed right in your terminal, making it easy to see how your internet is performing. You'll get all the key metrics in a neat, concise format. From there, you can use the data for various purposes, like checking if you're getting the speeds you pay for, identifying potential network issues, or comparing internet performance over time.

Installing Speedtest CLI: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get down to business and install the Speedtest CLI. The installation process varies depending on your operating system. Don't worry, I've got you covered with detailed instructions for the most common platforms. Let’s get our hands dirty!

Installing on Windows

Installing the Speedtest CLI on Windows is relatively easy, just follow these simple steps.

1. Download the Executable: Go to the Speedtest.net website and navigate to the CLI download section, or you can find direct download links with a quick search. Download the Windows executable file (usually an .exe file).
2. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded .exe file to run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will typically guide you through the process of setting up the CLI.
3. Verify Installation: Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell. Type speedtest and press Enter. If the installation was successful, you should see the Speedtest CLI output, showing available options and version information. If it doesn't work, ensure the directory where you installed Speedtest CLI is in your system's PATH environment variable. You might need to restart your command prompt or computer after adding it.

That's it, you're all set! Windows users, you're good to go!

Installing on macOS

Installing Speedtest CLI on macOS is a breeze. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Using Homebrew (Recommended): Homebrew is a package manager for macOS. If you don't have it, install it from brew.sh. Open your terminal and run brew install speedtest-cli. This command will download and install the Speedtest CLI automatically. This is usually the easiest method.
2. Verify Installation: After the installation, type speedtest in your terminal and press Enter. You should see the Speedtest CLI output, confirming successful installation. If you get an error, double-check that Homebrew installed everything correctly and that your PATH is set up properly.

That's all for macOS. Easy peasy!

Installing on Linux

Linux installation can vary slightly depending on your distribution, but I'll provide instructions for the most common methods.

1. Using apt (Debian/Ubuntu): Open your terminal and run the following commands:
   • sudo apt update (This updates your package lists.)
   • sudo apt install speedtest-cli (This installs the CLI.)
   • speedtest (This should run the program.)
2. Using yum/dnf (CentOS/Fedora/RHEL): Open your terminal and run these commands:
   • sudo yum update or sudo dnf update (Update your package list.)
   • sudo yum install speedtest-cli or sudo dnf install speedtest-cli (Install the CLI.)
3. Other Distributions: For other Linux distributions, you might need to find the specific package for your package manager or install it from source. Check your distribution's documentation for the most accurate instructions.

After installation, verify that the speedtest command works by typing it in your terminal. You should see the program's output, indicating a successful installation. Remember that you may need to use sudo before some commands if you encounter permission issues. Now you are ready to check your internet connection on Linux.

Using Speedtest CLI: Basic Commands and Options

Now that you have Speedtest CLI installed, let's learn how to use it! The basic command is quite simple, but there are several options you can use to customize your tests. Here's a breakdown of the essential commands and options.

Running a Basic Speed Test

To run a basic speed test, simply open your terminal and type speedtest. Press Enter, and the CLI will automatically connect to a nearby server and run the test. You'll see the download speed, upload speed, and ping displayed on your screen. This is the simplest way to check your internet speed and is great for a quick check. The CLI automatically selects the best server for your tests, which is often sufficient for most users. This method gives you a clear and instant overview of your connection. Running this test should give you a good idea of your current internet performance.

Advanced Options and Commands

Speedtest CLI comes with a range of options to customize your tests and get more detailed results. Here are some of the most useful ones.

• -h or --help: Displays the help menu, showing all available options and commands. This is your go-to command when you're unsure of how to use a particular option.
• -s <server_id> or --server <server_id>: Allows you to specify a particular server ID to test against. You can find server IDs on the Speedtest.net website or in the help menu. This is handy if you want to test against a specific server to get more consistent results.
• --list: Lists all available speed test servers, along with their IDs and locations. Useful for finding the closest or preferred servers to test against. You can use this to select servers close to your location.
• --json: Displays the results in JSON format. This is extremely useful if you want to parse the results programmatically or integrate them into other applications. The JSON output is machine-readable and easy to process.
• --csv: Displays results in CSV format. Ideal for logging and analyzing your speed test results over time in a spreadsheet or other data analysis tools. CSV makes it easy to track your internet speed trends.
• --share: Generates and displays a shareable image URL of your speed test results. This lets you easily share your results on social media or with others. It's a quick way to show off your internet speed or troubleshoot issues with others.
• --timeout <seconds>: Sets a timeout in seconds for the test. You can adjust this if your tests are timing out or taking too long. Adjusting the timeout can help if your connection is unstable.

Examples of Using Options

Here are some examples of how to use the different options:

• speedtest --server 1234 : Runs a speed test against the server with ID 1234.
• speedtest --list : Lists all available speed test servers.
• speedtest --json : Runs a speed test and displays the results in JSON format.
• speedtest --csv : Runs a speed test and displays the results in CSV format.
• speedtest --share : Runs a speed test and provides a shareable image.

These options give you a lot of control over how you test your internet speed. Try experimenting with them to see how they work and to tailor the tests to your needs.

Troubleshooting Speedtest CLI: Common Issues and Solutions

Even with a tool as straightforward as Speedtest CLI, you might run into some problems. Here are some common issues and their solutions.

Installation Problems

• Command Not Found: If you type speedtest and get a