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.
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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GZIP and TAR Definitions
GZIP
GZIP can create .gz files.
Convert the file to a .gz format using GZIP.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 2023
TAR
TAR is widely used in Unix and Linux systems.
On Linux, TAR is a common tool for backups.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 2023
GZIP
GZIP is a software utility for file compression.
After downloading, GZIP the files to save disk space.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 2023
TAR
TAR preserves file system information and structure.
TAR the directory to keep the permissions intact.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 2023
GZIP
GZIP is commonly used in web applications for data transfer.
Our website uses GZIP to speed up loading times.
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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.
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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.
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Dec 20, 2023
TAR
TAR is a tool for combining multiple files into one archive.
Use TAR to bundle all the project files.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 2023
GZIP
GZIP maintains the original file integrity after decompression.
GZIP ensures the data is intact after decompression.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 2023
TAR
TAR can be combined with compression tools like GZIP.
First TAR the files, then compress them with GZIP.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
TAR
A black, oily, sticky, viscous substance, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons derived from organic materials such as wood, peat, or coal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
TAR
A Persian long-necked, waisted string instrument, shared by many cultures and countries in the Middle East and the Caucasus.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
TAR
A single-headed round frame drum originating in North Africa and the Middle East.
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Dec 13, 2023
TAR
(transitive) To besmirch.
The allegations tarred his name, even though he was found innocent.
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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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can GZIP compress multiple files?
No, GZIP compresses only single files; it needs TAR to handle multiple files.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What is GZIP used for?
GZIP compresses files to reduce their size for efficient storage and transfer.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can GZIP compressed files be restored to their original state?
Yes, GZIP maintains the integrity of data, allowing full restoration.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What does TAR do?
TAR combines multiple files into a single archive (tarball).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can TAR compress files?
No, TAR only archives files without compressing them.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What file format does GZIP create?
GZIP creates files with a .gz extension.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can TAR preserve file permissions and structure?
Yes, TAR maintains the original file structure and permissions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
How do GZIP and TAR work together?
TAR archives multiple files, and GZIP then compresses the archive.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can I use GZIP on Windows?
Yes, GZIP is available on Windows, often through third-party tools.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Is TAR specific to certain operating systems?
TAR is common in Unix/Linux but is available on other systems too.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Is TAR compatible with other compression tools?
Yes, TAR can be used with various compression tools besides GZIP.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Are GZIP and TAR secure?
They are secure for archiving and compression but don't provide encryption.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What is a tarball?
A tarball is an archived file created by TAR, typically with a .tar extension.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Do TAR and GZIP alter file content?
No, they preserve the original content without alteration.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can TAR and GZIP be automated in scripts?
Yes, both can be integrated into scripts for automatic processing.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Is GZIP suitable for text files?
Yes, GZIP is effective for compressing text files.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
What is the advantage of using TAR?
TAR is ideal for organizing and transporting a group of files as one unit.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Can GZIP handle large files?
Yes, GZIP can efficiently compress large files.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila 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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