Deluge

Deluge (client)

Deluge is a BitTorrent client that is free and open-source. It is known for being lightweight, feature-rich through its extensive plugin system, and designed with a client-server architecture.

Deluge can be used on desktop computers but is also a popular choice for headless servers and seedboxes due to its ability to run as a background service managed remotely through various interfaces.

Architecture

Deluge employs a daemon-client architecture. The core BitTorrent functionality is handled by a background service called the Deluge daemon (`deluged`). This daemon runs independently and manages all torrent activity.

Users then connect to the daemon using separate client interfaces. This architecture allows the daemon to run on a server (like a seedbox or headless server) while users connect to it from their personal computer or mobile device using their preferred interface.

Interfaces

Deluge provides multiple interfaces to connect to the daemon:

• GTK UI: A traditional desktop graphical interface, typically used when Deluge is installed on a desktop computer.
• Web UI: A web-based interface accessible through a web browser. This is the most common way to manage Deluge running on a headless server or seedbox.
• Console UI: A text-based command-line interface for managing the daemon, suitable for users who prefer the command line or for scripting.

Key Features

Deluge offers a comprehensive set of features typical of modern BitTorrent clients, augmented by its plugin system:

• **Core BitTorrent Functionality:** Supports standard BitTorrent features like downloading, seeding, bandwidth control, protocol encryption, peer exchange, and DHT.
• **Plugin System:** A robust plugin system allows users to extend functionality significantly. Official and third-party plugins provide features like RSS feed automation, email notifications, file renaming, storage management tools, and integration with other software.
• **Multiple Interfaces:** Flexibility in how the user interacts with the daemon.
• **Remote Management:** The daemon/client model inherently supports remote management via the Web UI or Console UI.

Usage Scenarios

• **Desktop:** Used as a primary BitTorrent client with the GTK interface.
• **Servers and Seedboxes:** The daemon runs in the background on a headless server or seedbox, managing torrents continuously. Users connect via the Web UI or Console UI from another machine to monitor and control the daemon. This is the most common use case in hosting environments.

Installation (General)

Installing Deluge typically involves installing the daemon and one or more interfaces.

• **Linux:** Usually installed via the distribution's package manager (e.g., `apt install deluge-daemon deluge-web` on Debian/Ubuntu).
• **Windows/macOS:** Download and run an official installer, which typically includes the daemon and the GTK interface, with the option to install the Web UI.

After installation on a server, the daemon is configured to start automatically, and the Web UI is often set up behind a web server or accessed directly via its port.

See Also

• BitTorrent
• Torrent client
• rTorrent
• Transmission
• Web interface
• Daemon (computing)
• Seedbox
• Headless system

References

• Official Deluge Website - The primary source for information, downloads, and documentation.
• User Guide - Provides details on installation and usage of different interfaces.
• Plugins List - Lists available plugins for Deluge.
• Deluge GitHub Repository - The official source code repository.