Installing zip
`zip` command may not be pre-installed on most Linux distributions. Here are the installation methods for major operating systems.
Installing zip on Linux
You can install zip using the package manager for each distribution.
Installing zip on Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt install zip unzipUse the APT package manager to install `zip`.
Installing zip on Fedora/CentOS/RHEL
sudo yum install zip unzip # CentOS/RHEL 7 and below
sudo dnf install zip unzip # Fedora/CentOS/RHEL 8 and aboveUse YUM or DNF package manager to install `zip`.
Overview of zip
`zip` command compresses files and directories in the file system into a single archive file (`.zip` file). This archive saves space and makes it easier to manage multiple files by bundling them into a single file. In particular, the `.zip` format has excellent compatibility across operating systems, making it very useful when transferring files to other systems.
Key Roles of zip
zip command is primarily used for the following purposes:
Main Use Cases
- Compressing Files and Directories: Bundles and compresses multiple files or an entire directory into a single
.zipfile. - File Transfer and Distribution: Prepares files for email attachments or downloads by compressing website files, software packages, documents, etc.
- Backup: Stores important data in
.zipformat for safekeeping. - Cross-Platform Compatibility: Easily extractable in various environments such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Key zip Command Options
`zip` command offers various options for compression methods, including/excluding files, setting passwords, etc., allowing for flexible compression tasks.
1. Basic Compression and Addition
2. Compression Level and Exclusion
3. Encryption and Others
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Description:
`zip` Executes the command.
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unzip Command (Extract)
To extract a `.zip` file compressed with `zip`, use the `unzip` command. `unzip` is often installed along with `zip`.
Extracting .zip File
unzip my_archive.zipExtracts the `my_archive.zip` file in the current directory.
Extract to Specific Directory (-d)
unzip project.zip -d /tmp/extracted_projectExtracts the `project.zip` file to the `/tmp/extracted_project` directory.
Check Contents Before Extracting (-l)
unzip -l backup.zipChecks the contents of the `backup.zip` file without actually extracting it, showing which files and directories are included.
Usage Examples
Learn how to efficiently compress and manage files and directories through various usage examples of the `zip` command.
Compress All Files in Current Directory
zip -r all_files.zip .Compresses all files and subdirectories in the current directory into `all_files.zip`.
Compress Specific Files Only
zip my_docs.zip document.txt image.jpg notes.mdCompresses the three files `document.txt`, `image.jpg`, and `notes.md` into `my_docs.zip`.
Compress Directory with Best Compression
zip -r -9 code_backup.zip source_code/Compresses the `source_code` directory into `code_backup.zip` at the highest compression ratio. Compression time may increase.
Exclude Specific Files While Compressing
zip -r project_release.zip my_project/ -x "*.log" -x "my_project/node_modules/*"Compresses the `my_project` directory while excluding files with the `.log` extension and the `node_modules` directory.
Set Password for Compressed File
zip -r -e secure_archive.zip private_data/Compresses the `private_data` directory into `secure_archive.zip` and sets a password. A prompt will appear asking for the password during execution.
Delete Original File After Compression (Use with Caution)
zip -m old_files.zip old_files.txtCompresses the `old_files.txt` file to create `old_files.zip` and then deletes the original `old_files.txt`. (Use when moving files without backup)