# curl-loader

> curl-loader is an open source, self-hosted micro-benchmark CLI from curl-loader contributors, scripted in C.

- Canonical: https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/curl-loader/
- Official: https://curl-loader.sourceforge.net/
- Source: https://sourceforge.net/p/curl-loader/code/
- Vendor: curl-loader contributors
- Category: Micro-benchmark CLI
- License: Open Source — Free; GNU GPLv2.
- Deployment: Self-hosted
- Status: Unknown
- Scripting: C
- Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS
- OS support: Linux
- First released: 2005

- Last verified: 2026-08-12

## What it is
curl-loader uses libcurl and OpenSSL client stacks to simulate many application clients with configurable authentication and behavior. It supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and FTPS workloads and records detailed connection and transfer statistics.

## Choose it when
- Quick HTTP or protocol micro-benchmarks from a single machine
- Teams that prefer open-source licensing and self-hosting options
- Groups comfortable scripting in C

## Look elsewhere when
- Full multi-protocol enterprise journeys and rich business-flow reporting
- Teams unwilling to operate generators, results storage, and scaling

## Architecture
curl-loader is typically driven as a CLI micro-benchmark with C. It favors single-host or simple distributed runs rather than enterprise controller grids.

## Pricing
Free; GNU GPLv2.

## Compare

## FAQ
### Who is curl-loader for?
curl-loader is best for developers who need fast HTTP or protocol micro-benchmarks from a terminal. It is open source, so teams can self-host and extend it. Vendor: curl-loader contributors. Deployment model: self-hosted. Free; GNU GPLv2. Confirm details against the official site and a short proof-of-concept in your environment.

### How does curl-loader differ from Vegeta?
Compared with Vegeta, scripting centers on C rather than Go. curl-loader lists protocols HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS; Vegeta lists HTTP, HTTPS. Status is unknown versus active. Use the Test Rig to compare full specs side by side before a proof-of-concept.

### What scripting language and concurrency model does curl-loader use?
curl-loader uses C for scripting or scenario definition. Runtime model: CLI-driven request generation with a lightweight concurrency model suited to single-host benchmarks. OS support: Linux. Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS. Match these to how your team already authors tests and which systems you must drive under load.

### What is the cloud or enterprise path for curl-loader?
curl-loader is primarily self-hosted; teams typically run generators on their own machines, CI runners, or private cloud. Plan for generator capacity, network access to targets, and result storage yourself. As open source, commercial support or hosted siblings may exist separately. Check the official site. Pricing note: Free; GNU GPLv2.

### What are known limitations of curl-loader?
curl-loader limitations to weigh: CLI micro-benchmarks excel at raw HTTP throughput but usually lack enterprise scenario orchestration, rich reporting, and multi-protocol suites; self-hosted tools require you to provision, scale, and observe load generators yourself. Status: unknown. Always validate against your target protocols and scale with a proof-of-concept.

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Curated by NaveenKumar Namachivayam (QAInsights) · methodology: https://perf.jmeter.ai/about/#methodology · corrections: https://github.com/QAInsights/Performance-Testing-Tools/issues/new?title=Tool%20submission%3A%20&body=Tool%20name%3A%20%0AOfficial%20URL%3A%20%0AWhat%20should%20be%20added%20or%20corrected%3F%20%0A