What is TAR?
TAR is a file format used for archiving files, which means that it allows multiple files to be combined into a single file for easier storage and transportation. TAR stands for “tape archive,” as it was originally used to store files on magnetic tape. However, TAR files are now commonly used on a variety of storage media, including hard drives, USB drives, and network servers.
How does TAR work?
TAR works by creating a single file that contains the data from multiple files, along with metadata about each file, such as its name, size, and permissions. The resulting TAR file is typically identified by the .tar file extension. TAR files can also be compressed using programs such as GZIP or BZIP2, which reduces the size of the TAR file by removing redundant data. In this case, the TAR file is typically identified by a file extension such as .tar.gz or .tar.bz2.
Advantages of TAR
There are several advantages to using TAR for file archiving:
- TAR allows multiple files to be combined into a single file, which can be convenient for storing or transferring large numbers of files.
- TAR supports long file names and preserves file permissions, which is useful for maintaining the integrity of the files being archived.
- TAR is widely supported, with support for the format built into many operating systems and software programs.
- TAR is open-source, which means that it can be freely used and modified by anyone.
Uses of TAR
TAR is often used to create a single file from multiple files, such as when backing up data or distributing software. It is also commonly used in conjunction with a data compression program, such as GZIP or BZIP2, to create a compressed archive file.