What is .TAR File Format?
A .tar file is a type of archive file, often referred to as a tarball, which is used to store multiple files and folders in one place. It is a popular file format used to compress and package files and directories into a single file for easy storage and transfer. They are commonly used in Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux and Mac OS X, and can be created and opened using various programs, such as the tar and gzip utilities.
The .tar file format was originally created in the early days of Unix to store archives of multiple files and folders into one file. It is short for Tape Archive, as this format was originally used to store backups on magnetic tape. Over time, the .tar format has evolved to become one of the most popular ways to package and compress files and directories.
When creating a .tar file, the tar utility will take all of the files and directories you specify and package them into a single .tar file. This is done by combining them in a stream of bytes, without any compression. To make the file smaller and more efficient, you can use the gzip utility to compress the .tar file. This will create a .tar.gz file, often referred to as a tarball.
How to Open .TAR File?
To open a .tar file, you can use a variety of programs, such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or the tar command in the Unix-like operating systems. To open a .tar.gz file, you will need to use a program such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. These programs will be able to unpack the tarball and extract the files and folders inside.
In Conclusion,
A .tar file is a type of archive file used to package and compress multiple files and directories into one file. It is a popular file format used in Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux and Mac OS X. To create a .tar file, you can use the tar utility and to make it smaller, you can use the gzip utility. To open a .tar file, you can use a variety of programs, such as WinRAR and 7-Zip, and to open a .tar.gz file, you will need to use a program such as WinRAR or 7-Zip.