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cURL to Code Converter

Convert cURL commands to JavaScript, Python, Go, PHP, and Node.js code. Parse headers, body, authentication, and method — instant, free, browser-based.

What is cURL to Code Converter?

cURL to Code Converter is a free tool that transforms cURL commands into working code in JavaScript (fetch), Python (requests), Go (net/http), PHP (cURL), and Node.js. It parses the full cURL syntax including HTTP method, headers, request body, authentication, and common flags, then generates idiomatic code for your chosen language — ready to paste into your project.

When to use it?

Use this tool when API documentation provides cURL examples and you need to implement the request in your application's language. It saves time translating between the cURL syntax and language-specific HTTP libraries, especially for complex requests with multiple headers, authentication, and request bodies.

Common use cases

Developers use this tool to convert API documentation examples into production code, translate Postman-exported cURL commands to their preferred language, quickly prototype API integrations without memorizing HTTP library syntax, generate code for CI/CD scripts and automation tools, and share API request examples with team members in a specific language.

Key Concepts

Essential terms and definitions related to cURL to Code Converter.

cURL

A command-line tool for transferring data using various protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc.). cURL is available on virtually every operating system and is the de facto standard for demonstrating API requests in documentation. The name stands for "Client URL" and it supports dozens of protocols and options for customizing requests.

HTTP Method

The action to perform on the resource identified by the URL. Common methods: GET (retrieve data), POST (create/submit data), PUT (replace data), PATCH (partial update), DELETE (remove data). The method is specified in cURL with the -X flag, though GET is the default when no method or data is specified.

Request Headers

Key-value pairs sent with an HTTP request that provide metadata about the request. Common headers include Content-Type (format of the request body), Authorization (credentials), Accept (preferred response format), and User-Agent (client identification). In cURL, headers are set with the -H flag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cURL options are supported?

The converter supports the most common cURL options: -X (method), -H (headers), -d/--data (request body), -u (basic auth), --user-agent, -b (cookies), -L (follow redirects), -k (insecure/skip SSL), and URL specification. These cover the vast majority of API request patterns found in documentation.

Does the converter handle multipart form data?

The converter handles -d/--data for JSON and form-encoded bodies. Complex multipart file uploads (-F) are partially supported — the generated code shows the structure but may need manual adjustment for file stream handling in the target language.

Can I convert cURL commands with authentication?

Yes. The converter handles Basic authentication (-u user:pass), Bearer tokens (-H "Authorization: Bearer ..."), and custom authentication headers. The generated code preserves the authentication method in the target language's idiomatic format.

Why does the generated code differ from what I would write manually?

The converter produces functionally correct code that mirrors the exact cURL request. It may include explicit header settings that some libraries handle automatically. The generated code prioritizes correctness and completeness over brevity — you can simplify it based on your project's conventions.

Troubleshooting & Technical Tips

Common errors developers encounter and how to resolve them.

cURL command not parsed correctly

Ensure the command starts with "curl" and uses standard option syntax. Remove line continuation characters (\) and join the command into a single line. If the command uses single quotes on Windows, try converting to double quotes.

Generated code has incorrect Content-Type

The converter infers Content-Type from the cURL options. If -d is used with JSON-like data but no -H "Content-Type: application/json", the converter may default to form-encoded. Add the explicit Content-Type header to your cURL command for accurate conversion.

URL with special characters causes parse error

URLs containing special characters (query parameters with &, =, spaces) should be enclosed in quotes in the cURL command. If the URL is not quoted, the shell may interpret special characters before the converter sees them.

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