Linux Compression and Depacking Commands: Your Complete Guide

Managing files efficiently is critical in Linux. Whether you’re freeing up space or sharing data, knowing compression/decompression commands is essential. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. gzip / gunzip

Best for: Fast compression/decompression (uses .gz format).
Compress:

gzip filename.txt  # Creates filename.txt.gz

Decompress:

gunzip filename.txt.gz
# OR
gzip -d filename.txt.gz

Keep original file: Use -k flag (e.g., gzip -k file.txt).

2. bzip2 / bunzip2

Best for: Smaller file sizes than gzip (slower; uses .bz2).
Compress:

bzip2 filename.txt  # Creates filename.txt.bz2

Decompress:

bunzip2 filename.txt.bz2
# OR
bzip2 -d filename.txt.bz2

Preserve original: Add -k (e.g., bzip2 -k file.txt).

3. xz / unxz

Best for: Maximum compression (uses .xz; slower but efficient).
Compress:

xz filename.txt  # Creates filename.txt.xz

Decompress:

unxz filename.txt.xz
# OR
xz -d filename.txt.xz

Keep original: Use -k (e.g., xz -k file.txt).

4. zip / unzip

Best for: Cross-platform compatibility (Windows/macOS/Linux).
Compress files/directories:

zip archive.zip file1.txt folder/  # Include multiple items

Decompress:

unzip archive.zip

Extract to specific folder:

unzip archive.zip -d /target/path

5. tar (Tape Archive)

Best for: Bundling directories + compression support.
Create archive (no compression):

tar -cvf archive.tar /path/to/folder

Extract archive:

tar -xvf archive.tar

Compress with gzip (.tar.gz):

tar -czvf archive.tar.gz /path/to/folder

Compress with xz (.tar.xz):

tar -cJvf archive.tar.xz /path/to/folder

Extract compressed archives:

tar -xzvf archive.tar.gz    # .gz
tar -xjvf archive.tar.bz2   # .bz2
tar -xJvf archive.tar.xz    # .xz

Key Flags Explained

• -c: Create archive
• -x: Extract archive
• -v: Verbose (show progress)
• -f: Specify filename
• -z: Use gzip compression
• -j: Use bzip2 compression
• -J: Use xz compression

When to Use Which?

• Speed: gzip (fastest) → bzip2 → xz (slowest).
• Space savings: xz (best) → bzip2 → gzip.
• Windows compatibility: zip.
• Directories: Always use tar + compression.

Practice these commands to master Linux file management! 💻🔧