Main Options
`netcat` can perform various functions by combining different options. Use the options below to conduct network tests and transfer data.
1. Connection Mode
2. File and Data Handling
Generated command:
Try combining the commands.
Description:
`netcat` Executes the command.
Combine the above options to virtually execute commands with AI.
Installing Netcat (nc)
`netcat` is either installed by default on most Linux systems or provided as a symbolic link named `nc`. If it is not installed, you can easily install it using the commands below.
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt install netcatHow to install netcat on Debian or Ubuntu based systems.
CentOS/RHEL/Fedora
sudo yum install ncHow to install netcat on CentOS, RHEL, or Fedora based systems.
Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S openbsd-netcatHow to install netcat on Arch Linux.
Commonly Used Examples
Learn various uses of `netcat`. It can be used for checking network ports, transferring files, and building simple chat servers.
Check if a Specific Port is Open
nc -vz example.com 80Checks if port 80 (HTTP) on example.com is open. Returns 0 on successful connection.
Using as a File Server
nc -l -p 12345 < filename.txtSets up a simple server to send a local file to clients on port 12345. Clients can receive the file using the command `nc [serverIP] 12345 > received_file.txt`.
Using as a File Client
nc [serverIP] 12345 < filename.txtReceives a file on port 12345 from the server. The server must execute the command `nc -l -p 12345 > received_file.txt`.
Building a Simple Chat Server
nc -l -p 8888Opens a simple chat server on port 8888 on the localhost. Multiple clients can connect to this port to communicate with each other. The `-k` option can be added to keep the connection alive.
Additional Tips
`nc` command can also be executed as `netcat` depending on the distribution. Check for symbolic links or see detailed usage with `man nc` or `man netcat` commands.
- nc vs netcat: On most systems, `nc` is a symbolic link to `netcat`. Some systems may differentiate between packages like `netcat-traditional` and `netcat-openbsd`.