The command line utility curl, which facilitates data transfer across billions of devices ranging from satellites to smartphones, serves as the primary technical achievement of Swedish programmer Daniel Stenberg. Born in Huddinge Municipality in 1970, Stenberg developed the software to address complex data communication needs, fundamentally shaping the infrastructure of the modern internet through his persistent contributions to open-source programming.
Early Development and cURL
Stenberg grew up in Huddinge, located south of Stockholm. He initiated the project that eventually evolved into the utility now recognized globally as curl. This software operates under the curl License, a permissive framework derived from the MIT License. His focus on creating a reliable, secure tool for data exchange allowed curl to become a ubiquitous component in diverse hardware ecosystems, including vehicles and spacecraft.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Professional Affiliations and Standards
Between 2013 and 2018, Stenberg maintained a professional association with the Mozilla Foundation. Following this tenure, he transitioned to wolfSSL in February 2019 to provide commercial support for his primary creation while dedicating his schedule to its continued maintenance. Beyond specific software tools, he participates in the Internet Engineering Task Force, specifically engaging with working groups focused on the HTTP/2 and QUIC network protocols and contributing to various technical Requests for Comments.
Professional Recognition
Stenberg’s work in computer science has received consistent institutional acknowledgement. He earned the Nordic Free Software Award in 2009 and the Polhem Prize in 2017 for his ingenuity in solving technical problems. In April 2023, he joined the Polhemsrådet, the committee responsible for the Polhem Prize. Most recently, in October 2025, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences awarded him their Gold Medal, citing his essential role in internet infrastructure and open-source development.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Huddinge Municipality
- Citizenship: Sweden
- Notable work: curl
- Mozilla Foundation tenure: 2013-2018
- 2017 Polhem Prize recipient
- 2025 Gold Medal of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences recipient
Questions readers ask
What is the primary function of curl?
It enables reliable and secure data transfer across various platforms, including computers, smartphones, satellites, and vehicles.
Is Daniel Stenberg currently active in software development?
Yes, he remains active in the field and contributes to internet network protocols via the Internet Engineering Task Force.
Achievements
- Notable work: curl
- Affiliated with Mozilla Foundation
- Worked as programmer and computer scientist
