Overview
We use TAR files to combine many files to make them a single one. It is a fact that archive formats can also combine files, but there is a difference between their working principles. Archive formats combine the files, but it does not compress the files. It just combines the files. On the other hand, tar files combine or compress the files into smaller sizes to simplify your data. If you want to compress the files by archive formats, you have just one option. Third-party applications like gzip may prove unhelpful or useless.
Data present in tar files can be deleted, shared, and renamed.
How to open tar files
Opening tar files is very easy. You can do it within a few minutes with a few clicks. There are two main methods.
STEP1
- Firstly, click on the tar file multiple times you want to open to Winzip.
- Now, on the right side of the screen, click on the unzip and select the location where you want to save your file.
- Then click on the zip to begin the process.
STEP2
Another method is also straightforward. Follow these main steps.
- Tap the file you want to open. Then click on the win zip to display the secondary menu.
- Click on unzip and select the location where you want to save or open your file.
- Now, click on the zip to start the process. After some time, you can use your selected file in your specified location.
How to create tar files
Creating tar files is very easy. Win zip does not create tar files but can create zip files. Here are its steps.
- Firstly, click on zip files to open it.
- Select the file you want to zip from your PC or any place.
- And now click on add to zip.
- Click on save as located in the section panel.
- Now, choose the location where you want to save your file. You can send your file via message.
Compression of Multiple files
Mostly, we use TAR files to compress a single file. You can also compress many files instead of a single file. This process is effortless. Follow the below steps if you want to compress multiple files.
- First of all, open the Tar files.
- Then, select multiple files instead of one file.
- Select all the files you want to combine.
If you follow the above steps, you can compress many files. The compression of many files at the same time is less time-consuming. You can shorten your data without wasting your time by selecting many files.
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Compression of a single file
Pressing some keys in the regular sequence is all you need to remember. Follow some commands to compress a single file instead of multiple files. These commands are here to create ease for you.
➤ tar -czvf name-of-archive.tar.gz file or directory
Meaning of specific commands
Here is the meaning of these specific keys which we use to compress any file;
- Here, C stands for Create an Archive.
- Z stands for compression of archives with gzip.
- V stands for Verbose mode.
- F is the file name. You can specify the file name.
These switches play a leading role in the compression of the TAR files. If you do not press these switches, it seems impossible to compress your files.
Consider that you have an XYZ file. You will follow these commands.
Tar -czvf name-of-archive.tar.gz XYZ.
Exclude files
You can also use the exclude switch to exclude any file from a directory. It is far easier to use the exclude switch than discarding a whole file.
Extraction of TAR files
If you want to view the original content of your file, you can do it by extracting it. There are many tools that one can use for extraction of their TAR files and viewing them. B1 online Archiver and ezyZip are two free tools to extract your files. All you need to do is upload your tar file to these free tools.
Moreover, the UNIX system can extract TAR files without any tool. Press the following switches for the extraction of your file;
(Consider ABC is your file name).
➤ tar -xvf ABC .tar
With the help of the above instructions, you can extract your files for free.
FAQs
What is the TAR file?
A TAR file is a file in which the data of various files is safe in a single file.
Is the word TAR an acronym?
The word TAR is the shortcut term for Tape ARchive. You can say it as an acronym or short-term.
How can I open the tar file?
If you want to open any TAR file, double-click on the given file. If you do so, you will see that the TAR file is open now.
What if I want to view the original data instead of the TAR file?
It means the extraction of a TAR file. Use B1 online Archiver or the ezyZip tool to extract your files. You can also run the command in the UNIX system if you do not wish to use the above applications.
Are TAR files and Gzip the same terms?
Well! We cannot say that both these terms are the same. The reason is that Tar files are many files in a single directory. On the other hand, Gzip files are the compressed files with the compressed data.
What if I don’t want to use extraction tools to extract TAR files?
In such cases, you can use some switches in the UNIX system to extract your file.
Consider ABC as your file name.
➤ tar -xvf ABC .tar
Run these commands in the UNIX system to extract your files.
Is my data in TAR files safe?
Be sure about the security of your data in TAR files. Your data in the TAR file is combined but not insecure.
Conclusion
The file that combines many files to make them a single file is the TAR file. If you have many files, you can use TAR files to gather all your files on a specific spot. You can archive your files. If you need, you can also extract your files. Moreover, the data in the TAR file is safe and not shared with anyone. You can also draw out your files from TAR files with the extraction tools. If you do not want to use additional tool, run this command in the UNIX system;
Consider ABC as your file name.
➤ tar -xvf ABC .tar