Torrent client

A torrent client, also known as a BitTorrent client, is a computer application used for peer-to-peer file sharing by the BitTorrent protocol. The protocol is often used to distribute large amounts of data over the internet, including music, movies, and software, because it can provide more efficient file transfers than traditional HTTP or FTP protocols.

The typical workflow of a torrent download involves locating and downloading a torrent file, which contains information about the file or group of files that one wishes to download. This file is then opened within a torrent client program, which connects to other computers (called “peers”) that also hold a copy of the torrent file, thus forming a network. From these other peers, the client can download the desired files. Those same computers can then act as sources for other peers in the network to download the same files. This allows for efficient, distributed distribution of the files, rather than having to download it in its entirety from one central source.

Torrent clients often come with additional features such as bandwidth management, speed capping, and media playback. Some popular BitTorrent clients are uTorrent, Vuze, Deluge, and Transmission.