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bunzip2: Decompress BZ2 Files

bunzip2 is a command-line utility used to decompress files that have been compressed using the bzip2 compression algorithm. It typically restores files with the '.bz2' extension to their original form. By default, the original compressed file is deleted after successful decompression. This command performs the same function as `bzip2 -d`.

Overview

bunzip2 is a dedicated tool for decompressing bzip2 archives. It handles the bzip2 format, which is efficient for large file compression, and is essential for saving disk space and restoring data to its original state.

Key Features

  • Decompresses BZ2 format files
  • Deletes original compressed file by default
  • Identical functionality to `bzip2 -d`
  • Can process multiple files simultaneously

Main Options

The main options for the bunzip2 command are used to control decompression behavior, output, and file handling.

Default Behavior and Output

Generated command:

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Description:

`bunzip2` Executes the command.

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Usage Examples

Various decompression scenarios using the bunzip2 command.

Basic Decompression

bunzip2 my_file.txt.bz2

Decompresses the specified .bz2 file and deletes the original compressed file.

Decompress and Keep Original File

bunzip2 -k my_file.txt.bz2

Keeps the original my_file.txt.bz2 file after decompression.

Force Overwrite

bunzip2 -f my_file.txt.bz2

Forcefully overwrites the decompressed file (my_file.txt) even if it already exists.

Decompress to Standard Output

bunzip2 -c my_file.txt.bz2

Outputs the decompressed content to the screen or pipes it to another command. The original file is preserved.

Save Decompressed Output to a File

bunzip2 -c my_file.txt.bz2 > decompressed_file.txt

Redirects the decompressed content to a new file.

Decompress Multiple Files Simultaneously

bunzip2 file1.txt.bz2 file2.log.bz2

Decompresses several .bz2 files at once.

Tips & Notes

Useful tips and important considerations when using bunzip2.

Relationship with `bzip2 -d`

On most systems, bunzip2 is a symbolic link or script for the `bzip2 -d` command. Therefore, both commands function identically.

  • Identical Functionality: bunzip2 provides 100% identical functionality to `bzip2 -d`.

Caution Regarding Original File Deletion

By default, the original .bz2 file is deleted after decompression. For important files, it is recommended to use the `-k` option or back them up beforehand.

  • Prevent Data Loss: Always be cautious to avoid accidentally losing original files.

Using with `tar` Command

For archive files compressed with bzip2 (e.g., .tar.bz2), you can use the `tar` command to decompress and extract simultaneously.

  • Example: tar xjf archive.tar.bz2
  • Explanation: x: extract, j: decompress bzip2, f: specify file

Same category commands

bzip2

bzip2: File Compression and Decompression

cpio

cpio: Create and Extract File Archives

gunzip

gunzip Command Guide: Decompressing gzip Files

gzip

gzip Command Guide: File Compression and Decompression

tar

tar: Append Files to an Archive (rvf Option Combination)