GZIP vs. TAR: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 8, 2024

GZIP is a compression tool to reduce file size, TAR is an archiving tool to combine multiple files into one.

GZIP vs. TAR

Key Differences

GZIP (GNU zip) is a software application used for file compression and decompression. TAR (Tape Archive) is a utility for collecting many files into a single archive file. While GZIP compresses individual files, TAR aggregates multiple files but does not compress them.

Jan 08, 2024

GZIP works by identifying and eliminating similar data within a file to reduce its size. In contrast, TAR is used for combining multiple files and directories into a single file, known as a tarball, which makes handling and transporting a group of files easier.

Jan 08, 2024

A key distinction is that GZIP can only compress single files and is often used in conjunction with TAR to compress the tarball. Conversely, TAR alone cannot reduce the size of the files it archives, but it preserves the file structure and information like permissions.

Jan 08, 2024

GZIP files typically have the extension '.gz' and are commonly used in web and software applications for efficient data storage and transfer. TAR, on the other hand, creates files with a '.tar' extension, widely used in Unix and Linux systems for backup and archiving purposes.

Jan 08, 2024

GZIP is often preferred for its efficiency in compressing large files, making it ideal for network transfers. TAR is essential for its capability to bundle a collection of files and directories, preserving the original file structure and attributes.

Jan 08, 2024

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Comparison Chart

Function

Compresses single files

Combines multiple files

Jan 08, 2024

File Extension

.gz

.tar

Jan 08, 2024

Usage

Data compression

File archiving

Jan 08, 2024

Compatibility

Used with various file types

Common in Unix/Linux systems

Jan 08, 2024

Combination Use

Often used with TAR

Can be compressed by GZIP

Jan 08, 2024

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GZIP and TAR Definitions

GZIP

GZIP can create .gz files.

Convert the file to a .gz format using GZIP.

Dec 20, 2023

TAR

TAR is widely used in Unix and Linux systems.

On Linux, TAR is a common tool for backups.

Dec 20, 2023

GZIP

GZIP is a software utility for file compression.

After downloading, GZIP the files to save disk space.

Dec 20, 2023

TAR

TAR preserves file system information and structure.

TAR the directory to keep the permissions intact.

Dec 20, 2023

GZIP

GZIP is commonly used in web applications for data transfer.

Our website uses GZIP to speed up loading times.

Dec 20, 2023

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TAR

TAR creates .tar files known as tarballs.

The software's source code is available as a tarball.

Dec 20, 2023

GZIP

GZIP reduces file size using the DEFLATE algorithm.

The report was too large to email, so I used GZIP to compress it.

Dec 20, 2023

TAR

TAR is a tool for combining multiple files into one archive.

Use TAR to bundle all the project files.

Dec 20, 2023

GZIP

GZIP maintains the original file integrity after decompression.

GZIP ensures the data is intact after decompression.

Dec 20, 2023

TAR

TAR can be combined with compression tools like GZIP.

First TAR the files, then compress them with GZIP.

Dec 20, 2023

GZIP

To compress using the gzip program.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A dark, oily, viscous material, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons, produced by the destructive distillation of organic substances such as wood, coal, or peat.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

See coal tar.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A solid residue of tobacco smoke containing byproducts of combustion.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A sailor.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

To coat with or as if with tar.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A black, oily, sticky, viscous substance, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons derived from organic materials such as wood, peat, or coal.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

Coal tar.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

(uncountable) A solid residual byproduct of tobacco smoke.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A sailor, because of the traditional tarpaulin clothes.

Jack Tar

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

(uncountable) Black tar, a form of heroin.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

(computing) A program for archiving files, common on Unix systems.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

(computing) A file produced by such a program.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A Persian long-necked, waisted string instrument, shared by many cultures and countries in the Middle East and the Caucasus.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A single-headed round frame drum originating in North Africa and the Middle East.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

(transitive) To coat with tar.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

(transitive) To besmirch.

The allegations tarred his name, even though he was found innocent.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

To create a tar archive.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A sailor; a seaman.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A thick, black, viscous liquid obtained by the distillation of wood, coal, etc., and having a varied composition according to the temperature and material employed in obtaining it.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

To smear with tar, or as with tar; as, to tar ropes; to tar cloth.

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

Any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

A man who serves as a sailor

Dec 13, 2023

TAR

Coat with tar;

Tar the roof

Tar the roads

Dec 13, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can GZIP compress multiple files?

No, GZIP compresses only single files; it needs TAR to handle multiple files.

Jan 08, 2024

What is GZIP used for?

GZIP compresses files to reduce their size for efficient storage and transfer.

Jan 08, 2024

Is GZIP lossless?

Yes, GZIP is a lossless compression tool.

Jan 08, 2024

Can GZIP compressed files be restored to their original state?

Yes, GZIP maintains the integrity of data, allowing full restoration.

Jan 08, 2024

What does TAR do?

TAR combines multiple files into a single archive (tarball).

Jan 08, 2024

Can TAR compress files?

No, TAR only archives files without compressing them.

Jan 08, 2024

What file format does GZIP create?

GZIP creates files with a .gz extension.

Jan 08, 2024

Can TAR preserve file permissions and structure?

Yes, TAR maintains the original file structure and permissions.

Jan 08, 2024

How do GZIP and TAR work together?

TAR archives multiple files, and GZIP then compresses the archive.

Jan 08, 2024

Can I use GZIP on Windows?

Yes, GZIP is available on Windows, often through third-party tools.

Jan 08, 2024

Is TAR specific to certain operating systems?

TAR is common in Unix/Linux but is available on other systems too.

Jan 08, 2024

Is TAR compatible with other compression tools?

Yes, TAR can be used with various compression tools besides GZIP.

Jan 08, 2024

Are GZIP and TAR secure?

They are secure for archiving and compression but don't provide encryption.

Jan 08, 2024

What is a tarball?

A tarball is an archived file created by TAR, typically with a .tar extension.

Jan 08, 2024

Do TAR and GZIP alter file content?

No, they preserve the original content without alteration.

Jan 08, 2024

Can TAR and GZIP be automated in scripts?

Yes, both can be integrated into scripts for automatic processing.

Jan 08, 2024

Is GZIP suitable for text files?

Yes, GZIP is effective for compressing text files.

Jan 08, 2024

What is the advantage of using TAR?

TAR is ideal for organizing and transporting a group of files as one unit.

Jan 08, 2024

Can GZIP handle large files?

Yes, GZIP can efficiently compress large files.

Jan 08, 2024

What's the primary use of GZIP in web applications?

GZIP is used to reduce data size for faster web page loading.

Jan 08, 2024

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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