How to Unzip gz File in Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to decompress gz file

These compressed files, using the gzip compression algorithm, are common in the Linux world. To unzip a .gz file, we typically use commands like gunzip or tar in the Terminal. However, you can also use graphical user interfaces like the Archive Manager to make the process more intuitive. When extracting .gz files often, it’s practical to use a script.

  1. The original file, a spreadsheet called «calc-sheet.ods» is 11 KB,  and the compressed file—also known as an archive file—is 9.3 KB.
  2. I had never worked with this file format before, and I spent hours trying to figure out how to unzip it.
  3. Most of the newer graphical distros like Ubuntu and Linux Mint come with built in tools to decompress files using a GUI.

If you have been on Linux for sometime you might have come across another file extension .tar.gz. This overcomes the big limitation of standard gz, and allows for compression of entire folders. GZ files are compressed files that typically contain multiple files and/or folders. To access the files inside, you’ll need to extract them similar to how you’d unzip a ZIP file. This wikiHow article will teach you how to extract files from compressed GZ archives on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and iPad.

Gzip, short for GNU zip, was developed in the early 1990s as a free software replacement for the compress program. Created by Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler, its goal was to provide a superior compression algorithm. I was about to give up when I decided to reach out to a colleague who had more experience with Linux. He showed me a simple command that I had overlooked, and within minutes, I was able to unzip the file and start working on my project. Data storage is much cheaper today, and transmission speeds are orders of magnitude faster. But we have so much more data to store, and the world over people are accessing cloud storage and streaming services.

Algorithms and Trees

In conclusion, learning how to unzip gz files in Linux is an essential skill for anyone working with this operating the most in-demand marketing skills in 2021 top 5 list system. By following the instructions provided in this article, readers can easily extract gz files without any hassle. Ever downloaded a .gz file and wondered how to unzip it on Linux?

how to decompress gz file

Understanding Gzip and Compression Basics

With a very small file that overhead can wipe out the benefits of the compression. But even with a fairly small file, there’s likely to be some reduction in size. There are many file compression utilities, but the one you’re guaranteed to find on every Linux distribution is gzip. If you only learn to use one compression tool, it should be gzip . However, gzip does have one drawback it can’t really compress multiple files at once, so we need how to buy rarible to use gzip along with tar if we want to compress multiple files.

To ensure that you extract the correct file, it’s crucial to keep in mind to navigate to the appropriate directory before running any of these commands. GZ files are an excellent way to compress and archive files in Linux and Unix operating systems. Unzipping GZ files on Linux is a simple process that can be done using a few different methods. Whether you prefer to use the gzip, gunzip, or tar command, you can easily access the files you how do you git rebase a branch solutions to git problems need. However, note that each method has its limitations and use cases, so choose the one that best suits your needs.

How to Unzip a .gz File on Linux: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

You can use below command linuxterminal for compressing a file. Gzip is known for its balance of speed and efficiency, making it ideal for general use. Xz provides the best compression ratio but at the cost of speed.

This command will extract the contents of the archive, including your GZ file. They’re handy for reducing file size, saving us precious storage space, and making file transfers quicker. Not to mention, decompression is a breeze across most platforms.

This command will unzip the file and create a new file with the same name but without the .gz extension. The gzip command is the easiest way to unzip a GZ file, and it’s built into most Linux distributions. When playing around with .gz files, we might lack the necessary privileges. A tweak here can often resolve hiccups faster than waiting for coffee to brew. With Ark, what’s tucked inside a .gz file is just a click away.