Overview
xz is a powerful compression tool based on the LZMA2 algorithm. It is primarily used when high compression ratios are needed, and it is especially effective when used in conjunction with archiving tools like tar.
Key Features
- Uses LZMA2 compression algorithm
- Provides high compression ratios
- Deletes original files after compression/decompression by default
- Integrates well with archiving tools like tar
Key Options
Compression/Decompression Control
Compression Levels
Output Control
Generated command:
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Description:
`xz` Executes the command.
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Usage Examples
Compress a File (Default)
xz myfile.txtCompresses myfile.txt to create myfile.txt.xz and deletes the original file.
Decompress a File (Default)
xz -d myfile.txt.xzDecompresses myfile.txt.xz to create myfile.txt and deletes the compressed file.
Compress While Keeping Original File
xz -k myfile.txtCompresses myfile.txt to create myfile.txt.xz, but keeps the original myfile.txt.
Compress with Maximum Compression
xz -9k myfile.txtCompresses myfile.txt with the highest compression level (-9) and keeps the original file.
Compress a Tar Archive
tar -cf - mydirectory/ | xz - > mydirectory.tar.xzBundles the mydirectory directory into a tar archive and then compresses it with xz to create mydirectory.tar.xz.
Decompress a Tar Archive
xz -dc mydirectory.tar.xz | tar -xf -Decompresses mydirectory.tar.xz and then uses tar to extract the directory.
Tips & Notes
xz provides high compression ratios but consumes significant CPU resources and takes longer to process. This should be considered when applying it to large files.
Performance and Usage
- Use xz when compression ratio is the priority; consider gzip for speed.
- It is very useful for compressing entire directories when used with tar, resulting in files with the `.tar.xz` extension.
- By default, original files are deleted after compression/decompression. It is recommended to use the `-k` option to preserve originals or redirect to standard output with the `-c` option to protect the original files.