7z is a file archiver that is widely known for its high compression ratio. It is a software tool used for compressing and decompressing files and folders. The primary purpose of 7z is to reduce the size of files, making them easier to store and transfer.
One of the key features of 7z is its exceptional compression ratio. It utilizes an algorithm called LZMA (Lempel-Ziv-Markov chain algorithm) to achieve high compression levels. This means that 7z can significantly reduce the file size without compromising the integrity or quality of the data contained within the file.
The high compression ratio of 7z makes it particularly useful when dealing with large files or collections of files. By compressing files with 7z, you can save valuable disk space and reduce the time it takes to transfer files over the internet. Additionally, it can be beneficial for archiving purposes, as compressed files take up less storage space, making it easier to organize and manage large collections of data.
In addition to its impressive compression capabilities, 7z supports a wide range of file formats. It can compress and decompress files in formats such as 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, and more. This versatility allows users to work with various types of files and seamlessly integrate 7z into their existing workflows.
To use 7z, you typically interact with it through a command-line interface. It provides a set of commands that allow you to create compressed archives, extract files from archives, and perform other operations such as adding, updating, or deleting files within an existing archive.
7z Command Examples
1. [a]dd a file or directory to a new or existing archive:
# 7z a /path/to/archive.7z /path/to/file_or_directory
2. Encrypt an existing archive (including filenames):
# 7z a /path/to/encrypted.7z -p[password] -mhe=on /path/to/archive.7z
3. E[x]tract an archive preserving the original directory structure:
# 7z x /path/to/archive.7z
4. E[x]tract an archive to a specific directory:
# 7z x /path/to/archive.7z -o /path/to/output
5. E[x]tract an archive to stdout:
# 7z x {{path/to/archive.7z}} -so 6. [a]rchive using a specific archive type:
# 7z a -t [7z|bzip2|gzip|lzip|tar|zip] /path/to/archive.7z /path/to/file_or_directory
7. [l]ist the contents of an archive:
# 7z l /path/to/archive.7z
8. List available archive types:
# 7z i
Summary
Overall, 7z is a powerful file archiver that stands out due to its high compression ratio. It offers users an efficient way to reduce file sizes, making file storage, transfer, and management more convenient.