MLDonkey
A cross-platform multi-network peer-to-peer daemon for downloading files from various P2P networks.
What is MLDonkey?
MLDonkey is a cross-platform multi-network peer-to-peer daemon that allows users to download files from various P2P networks like eDonkey and BitTorrent. It runs as a background service, enabling headless operation and management through different interfaces. The project focuses on providing a stable, server-oriented P2P client that supports multiple protocols simultaneously.
Users who need a reliable, always-on P2P download client for servers or headless environments, and those who want to access multiple file-sharing networks from a single application.
Developers choose MLDonkey for its multi-network support, cross-platform compatibility, and daemon architecture that allows for stable, long-running downloads. Its OCaml core provides performance and reliability for network operations.
Overview
cross-platform multi-network p2p daemon (previously at http://mldonkey.sourceforge.net/)
Use Cases
Best For
- Running a headless P2P download server on Linux or other Unix-like systems
- Downloading files from multiple P2P networks simultaneously
- Setting up an always-on download client for automation or remote management
- Using a single client for both eDonkey and BitTorrent protocols
- Building custom P2P applications on top of a stable OCaml-based daemon
- Managing downloads through a GTK2 GUI or other interfaces on supported platforms
Not Ideal For
- Users who want a modern, plug-and-play graphical client without build configuration
- Projects relying on opam for OCaml dependency management and requiring a fully functional GUI
- Teams needing extensive, up-to-date documentation and active community forums for quick troubleshooting
- Applications focused solely on BitTorrent with no need for multi-protocol support, where dedicated clients offer better optimization
Pros & Cons
Pros
Connects to eDonkey, BitTorrent, and other P2P networks simultaneously from a single client, reducing the need for multiple applications.
Runs as a cross-platform background daemon, ideal for headless operation and stable, always-on download environments.
Offers a GTK2 GUI and other interfaces for managing downloads, providing flexibility in remote or local control.
Built with OCaml for performance and stability in network operations, as highlighted in the project's philosophy.
Cons
GTK2 GUI only builds in specific configurations, such as with system OCaml on Debian, and fails with opam, limiting setup options for modern environments.
Key wiki and forums were shut down in 2023, leaving data dumps that need restoration, which hampers accessibility and user support.
Upgrading to newer lablgtk2 is a goal for the next release, indicating current issues with compatibility for recent OCaml versions, as noted in the build instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
Oni2Native, lightweight modal code editor
coqThe Rocq Prover is an interactive theorem prover, or proof assistant. It provides a formal language to write mathematical definitions, executable algorithms and theorems together with an environment for semi-interactive development of machine-checked proofs.
mirageMirageOS is a library operating system that constructs unikernels
LiquidsoapLiquidsoap is a statically typed scripting general-purpose language with dedicated operators and backend for all thing media, streaming, file generation, automation, HTTP backend and more.
Found a gem we're missing?
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.