What is TGZ format?

TGZ (GZip Compressed Tar Archive)

The 'tgz' file format is a widely recognized archive file format that combines the functionalities of TAR and Gzip. The TAR format is designed to bundle multiple files and directories into a single file, making it easier to manage and distribute collections of files. However, TAR files are not compressed, which can lead to larger file sizes. To address this, Gzip compression is applied to the TAR archive, resulting in the '.tgz' or '.tar.gz' file extensions.

When creating a tgz file, the TAR utility first collects the specified files and directories into a single archive file, preserving the directory structure and file attributes. The Gzip tool then compresses this archive, significantly reducing its size. The tgz format is particularly popular in software distribution, backup solutions, and data transfer because it efficiently handles large amounts of data.

In Unix and Linux systems, tgz files are often used to distribute software packages, as they can contain all necessary components and dependencies in a single, compressed file. This format is also favored for backups, as it simplifies the process of archiving multiple files into a single, manageable file that can be easily compressed for storage.

Users can create and extract tgz files using command-line tools such as 'tar' and 'gzip', and many graphical file managers also support this format. The flexibility and efficiency of tgz files make them a popular choice for both individual users and organizations needing to manage large sets of files.

What programs can open TGZ format?

  • tar
  • gzip
  • WinRAR
  • 7-Zip
  • PeaZip
  • The Unarchiver

Use cases for TGZ format?

  • Software distribution and installation packages
  • Backup and archiving of files and directories
  • Data transfer between systems, particularly in Unix/Linux environments
  • Bundling configuration files and resources for application deployment