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Supported Formats
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Common Formats
ZIP Archive - universal compression format developed by Phil Katz (1989) supporting multiple compression methods. Built into Windows, macOS, and Linux. Uses DEFLATE algorithm providing good compression (40-60% reduction) with fast processing. Supports file encryption, split archives, and compression levels. Maximum compatibility across all platforms and devices. Perfect for file sharing, email attachments, web downloads, and general-purpose compression. Industry standard with virtually universal software support including built-in OS tools, mobile apps, and command-line utilities.
RAR Archive - proprietary format by Eugene Roshal (1993) offering superior compression ratios (10-20% better than ZIP) through advanced algorithms. Popular on Windows with WinRAR software. Supports recovery records for damaged archive repair, solid compression for better ratios, strong AES encryption, and split archives up to 8 exabytes. Excellent for long-term storage, large file collections, and backup scenarios. Common in software distribution and file sharing communities. Requires WinRAR or compatible software (not built into most systems).
7-Zip Archive - open-source format by Igor Pavlov (1999) providing the best compression ratio available (20-40% better than ZIP, 10-15% better than RAR). Uses LZMA and LZMA2 algorithms with strong AES-256 encryption. Supports huge file sizes (16 exabytes), multiple compression methods, solid compression, and self-extracting archives. Free from licensing restrictions and patent concerns. Perfect for maximizing storage efficiency, software distribution, and backup archives where size matters. Requires 7-Zip or compatible software but offers exceptional space savings.
Unix Formats
TAR Archive - Tape Archive format from Unix (1979) bundling multiple files and directories into single file without compression. Preserves file permissions, ownership, timestamps, and symbolic links critical for Unix systems. Often combined with compression (TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, TAR.XZ) for efficient distribution. Standard format for Linux software packages, system backups, and cross-platform file transfer. Essential for maintaining Unix file attributes. Works with streaming operations enabling network transfers and piping. Foundation of Unix/Linux backup and distribution systems.
GZIP/TGZ - GNU zip compression format (1992) using DEFLATE algorithm, standard compression for Linux and Unix systems. TGZ is TAR archive compressed with GZIP. Fast compression and decompression with moderate ratios (50-70% reduction for text). Single-file compression commonly paired with TAR for multi-file archives. Universal on Unix/Linux systems with built-in 'gzip' command. Perfect for log files, text data, Linux software distribution, and web server compression. Streaming-friendly enabling on-the-fly compression. Industry standard for Unix file compression since the 1990s.
BZIP2/TBZ2 - block-sorting compression format by Julian Seward (1996) offering better compression than GZIP (10-15% smaller) at the cost of slower processing. TBZ2 is TAR archive compressed with BZIP2. Uses Burrows-Wheeler transform achieving excellent ratios on text and source code. Popular for software distribution where size matters more than speed. Common in Linux package repositories and source code archives. Ideal for archival storage, software releases, and situations prioritizing compression over speed. Standard tool on most Unix/Linux systems.
XZ/TXZ - modern compression format (2009) using LZMA2 algorithm providing excellent compression ratios approaching 7Z quality. TXZ is TAR archive compressed with XZ. Superior to GZIP and BZIP2 with ratios similar to 7Z but as single-file stream. Becoming the new standard for Linux distributions and software packages. Supports multi-threading for faster processing. Perfect for large archives, software distribution, and modern Linux systems. Smaller download sizes for software packages while maintaining fast decompression. Default compression for many current Linux distributions.
{format_tar_7z_desc}
{format_tar_bz_desc}
{format_tar_lz_desc}
{format_tar_lzma_desc}
{format_tar_lzo_desc}
{format_tar_z_desc}
TGZ - TAR archive compressed with GZIP compression. Combines TAR's file bundling with GZIP's compression in single extension (.tgz instead of .tar.gz). Standard format for Linux software distribution and source code packages. Maintains Unix file permissions and attributes while reducing size 50-70%. Fast compression and decompression speeds. Universal compatibility on Unix/Linux systems. Perfect for software releases, backup archives, and cross-platform file transfer. Abbreviated form of TAR.GZ with identical functionality and structure.
TBZ2 - TAR archive compressed with BZIP2 compression. Better compression than TGZ (10-15% smaller) but slower processing. Uses Burrows-Wheeler block sorting for excellent text compression. Common in Linux distributions and software packages where size is critical. Maintains Unix file permissions and attributes. Perfect for source code distribution, archival storage, and bandwidth-limited transfers. Abbreviated form of TAR.BZ2 with identical functionality. Standard format for Gentoo Linux packages and large software archives.
TXZ - TAR archive compressed with XZ (LZMA2) compression. Modern format offering best compression ratios for TAR archives (better than TGZ and TBZ2). Fast decompression despite high compression. Supports multi-threading for improved performance. Becoming standard for Linux distributions (Arch, Slackware use TXZ). Maintains Unix permissions and symbolic links. Perfect for large software packages, system backups, and efficient storage. Abbreviated form of TAR.XZ representing the future of Unix archive compression.
LZMA/TAR.LZMA - Lempel-Ziv-Markov chain Algorithm compression format (2001) offering excellent compression ratios. TAR.LZMA combines TAR archiving with LZMA compression. Predecessor to XZ format using similar algorithm but older container format. Better compression than GZIP and BZIP2 but superseded by XZ/LZMA2. Still encountered in older Linux distributions and legacy archives. Slower compression than GZIP but better ratios (similar to XZ). Modern systems prefer TAR.XZ over TAR.LZMA. Legacy format for accessing older compressed archives from 2000s era.
LZO/TAR.LZO - Lempel-Ziv-Oberhumer compression format prioritizing speed over compression ratio. TAR.LZO is TAR archive compressed with LZO. Extremely fast compression and decompression (faster than GZIP) with moderate ratios (30-50% reduction). Popular in real-time applications, live systems, and scenarios requiring instant decompression. Used by some Linux kernels and embedded systems. Common in backup solutions prioritizing speed. Perfect for temporary compression, live CD/USB systems, and high-speed data transfer. Trade-off: larger files than GZIP/BZIP2/XZ but much faster processing.
Z/TAR.Z - Unix compress format from 1985 using LZW (Lempel-Ziv-Welch) algorithm. TAR.Z is TAR archive compressed with compress command. Historical Unix compression format predating GZIP. Patent issues (until 2003) led to GZIP replacing it. Legacy format with poor compression by modern standards. Rarely used today except in very old Unix systems and historical archives. If you encounter .Z or .tar.Z files, convert to modern formats (TAR.GZ, TAR.XZ) for better compression and wider support. Important for accessing ancient Unix archives from 1980s-1990s.
Specialized Formats
ISO Image - ISO 9660 disk image format containing exact sector-by-sector copy of optical media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray). Standard format for distributing operating systems, software installations, and bootable media. Can be mounted as virtual drive without physical disc. Contains complete filesystem including boot sectors, metadata, and file structures. Essential for Linux distributions, system recovery media, and software archives. Used by burning software, virtual machines, and media servers. Universal standard with support in all major operating systems for mounting and burning.
Cabinet Archive - Microsoft's compression format for Windows installers and system files. Used extensively in Windows setup packages, driver installations, and system updates. Supports multiple compression algorithms (DEFLATE, LZX, Quantum), split archives, and digital signatures. Built into Windows with native extraction support. Common in software distribution for Windows applications, particularly older installers and Microsoft products. Maintains Windows-specific attributes and can store multiple files with folder structures. Part of Windows since 1996.
AR Archive - Unix archiver format (1970s) originally for creating library archives (.a files). Simple format storing multiple files with basic metadata (filename, modification time, permissions). Used primarily for static libraries in Unix development (.a extension). Foundation format for DEB packages (Debian packages are AR archives containing control and data). Minimal compression support (none by default). Essential for Unix library management and Debian package structure. Standard tool 'ar' included on all Unix/Linux systems. Simple and reliable for static file collections.
Debian Package - software package format for Debian, Ubuntu, and derivative Linux distributions. Contains compiled software, installation scripts, configuration files, and dependency metadata. Used by APT package manager (apt, apt-get commands). Actually a special AR archive containing control files and data archives. Essential format for Debian-based Linux software distribution. Includes pre/post-installation scripts, version management, and dependency resolution. Standard packaging for thousands of Ubuntu/Debian applications. Can be inspected and extracted as regular archive.
RPM Package - Red Hat Package Manager format for Red Hat, Fedora, CentOS, SUSE, and derivative Linux distributions. Contains compiled software, installation metadata, scripts, and dependency information. Used by YUM and DNF package managers. Includes GPG signature support for security verification. Standard for Red Hat Enterprise Linux ecosystem. Supports pre/post-installation scriptlets, file verification, and rollback capabilities. Essential format for RHEL-based Linux software distribution. Can be extracted as archive to inspect contents without installation.
JAR Archive - Java Archive format based on ZIP compression for packaging Java applications. Contains compiled Java classes (.class files), application resources, and manifest metadata. Standard distribution format for Java applications and libraries. Supports digital signatures for code verification. Can be executable (runnable JAR files with Main-Class manifest). Perfect for Java application deployment, library distribution, and plugin systems. Compatible with ZIP tools but includes Java-specific features. Essential format for Java development and deployment since 1996.
ARJ Archive - legacy DOS compression format by Robert Jung (1991). Popular in DOS and early Windows era for its good compression ratio and ability to create multi-volume archives. Supports encryption, damage protection, and archive comments. Largely obsolete today, replaced by ZIP, RAR, and 7Z. Still encountered in legacy systems and old software archives. Requires ARJ or compatible decompression software. Historical format important for accessing old DOS/Windows archives from 1990s. Better converted to modern formats for long-term accessibility.
LHA Archive - Japanese compression format (also LZH) developed in 1988, extremely popular in Japan and with Amiga users. Uses LZSS and LZHUF compression algorithms providing good ratios. Common for Japanese software distribution in 1990s. Supports archive headers, directory structures, and file attributes. Legacy format now mostly replaced by modern alternatives. Still encountered in retro computing, Japanese software archives, and Amiga communities. Requires LHA/LZH compatible software for extraction. Important for accessing Japanese and Amiga software archives.
CPIO Archive - Copy In/Out archive format from Unix (1970s) for creating file archives. Simpler than TAR, often used for system backups and initramfs/initrd creation. Standard format for Linux initial RAM disk images. Supports multiple formats (binary, ASCII, CRC). Better handling of special files and device nodes than TAR. Common in system administration, bootloader configurations, and kernel initrd images. Universal on Unix/Linux systems. Essential for system-level archiving and embedded Linux systems. Works well for streaming operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DEB file and why is it the standard package format for Debian-based Linux systems?
A DEB file is the native software package format used by Debian and all Debian-based Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Kali Linux, and Raspberry Pi OS. It bundles application binaries, libraries, metadata, dependencies, maintainer scripts, and configuration files into a structured package that can be installed, upgraded, or removed cleanly by the system’s package manager.
DEB packages rely on the dpkg packaging system and follow strict policies regarding file locations, metadata structure, dependency declarations, and post-installation scripts. This consistency ensures that software integrates smoothly into the Linux system environment.
DEB became the dominant Linux packaging format because of Debian’s long history, its influence on countless distributions, and the robustness of APT-based dependency resolution, making it one of the most stable and predictable package formats.
Why do DEB files contain both data and control archives?
DEB packages consist of two internal archives: the control archive (metadata, scripts, dependency lists, maintainer info) and the data archive (actual executable files and directories to be installed).
This separation allows the system to read package metadata without unpacking the program files, enabling fast dependency checks and installation planning.
The split-architecture ensures clean installation/uninstallation workflows and predictable behavior across all Debian-based packaging systems.
Why can’t some DEB packages install due to dependency conflicts?
DEB packages rely on explicit dependency declarations. If required libraries or packages are missing, outdated, or replaced by incompatible versions, the installation will fail.
Manually installed DEB files often skip APT’s dependency resolution, requiring users to install dependencies themselves or use tools like GDebi that attempt automatic resolution.
This dependency rigidity prevents system breakage but sometimes frustrates users installing standalone DEB files outside official repositories.
Why do some distributions warn against installing random DEB files?
DEB files can contain pre- or post-installation scripts that run with root privileges, making them capable of modifying system files or executing harmful operations.
Packages from unofficial or unverified sources may override system libraries or conflict with repo-managed software, damaging the system environment.
Users are encouraged to install DEBs only from trusted developers or official repositories for security and stability.
Why do DEB files typically install faster than compiling from source?
DEB packages contain precompiled binaries optimized for the system architecture, eliminating the need for compilation during installation.
The package manager simply extracts files to their intended locations and runs configuration scripts, drastically reducing installation time.
This makes DEBs ideal for end users who want quick and reliable installations without managing build dependencies.
Is it safe to extract DEB files manually?
Yes, DEB files can be safely extracted using standard tools because they are essentially ar archives containing tar archives.
However, manually extracting a DEB does not install its dependencies or run any required system scripts, meaning the application may not function properly.
Manual extraction is best used for inspection, reverse engineering, or retrieving isolated files rather than actual installation.
Why do DEB files sometimes include preinst, postinst, prerm, and postrm scripts?
These maintainer scripts automate tasks during installation and removal, such as updating system caches, creating user accounts, enabling services, or migrating configuration files.
They run with administrative privileges, meaning they can make system-level changes that the packaged application requires.
While critical for functionality, these scripts also represent the biggest security concern in untrusted DEB packages.
Why do some DEB packages fail when the architecture doesn’t match the system?
DEB packages specify architecture types such as amd64, i386, armhf, arm64, or all. Installing an incompatible architecture will result in failure.
Multi-architecture setups require proper configuration via dpkg or APT to prevent cross-architecture conflicts.
Packages targeting a different CPU family cannot run unless emulation layers like QEMU or Rosetta are present.
Can DEB files be converted to other package formats?
Yes, tools like `alien` allow conversion between DEB, RPM, and other package types.
However, converted packages may not fully retain dependency structures or maintainer behavior, leading to functional issues.
Native packaging is always recommended for proper system integration.
Do DEB packages support compression?
DEB files use compressed control and data archives, typically gzip, xz, or zstd depending on the system’s packaging policies.
Newer Debian systems prefer xz or zstd for higher compression ratios and faster performance.
Compression affects file size but not installation speed significantly, since decompression is extremely fast.
Why do some DEB packages include signatures or checksums?
Digital signatures verify that the package hasn't been tampered with and originates from a trusted maintainer or repository.
Checksums inside the control archive ensure internal integrity and detect corruption or tampering.
APT performs additional verification for repository-managed DEBs using repository keyring signatures.
Why is installing DEB packages easier with APT than with dpkg?
dpkg installs only the DEB file itself and does not handle dependencies automatically.
APT resolves dependencies using repository metadata and installs everything the package requires.
For standalone DEBs, tools like GDebi bridge the gap by attempting dependency resolution automatically.
Why do DEB files use strict filesystem path rules?
Debian packaging policy enforces where binaries, libraries, docs, and configs must be placed to maintain consistency.
Standardized paths make system maintenance, upgrades, and automated management easier.
This structure ensures compatibility across all Debian-based distros and prevents filesystem fragmentation.
Can DEB files install graphical applications, servers, drivers, and CLI tools?
Yes, DEB is a universal packaging format capable of distributing virtually any type of Linux software.
Developers package everything from desktop apps to kernel modules in DEB format for distribution.
The flexibility of the format and strong integration with Debian/Ubuntu ecosystems keeps DEB relevant across all software categories.
Should you use DEB files or install software through repositories?
Repository installation is usually safer and more stable because packages are vetted, tested, and updated automatically.
Standalone DEBs are useful for proprietary apps, beta software, vendor-distributed packages, and offline installation.
For system stability, always prefer repo-based installations unless a standalone DEB is the only source.