Gzip Command in Linux: Compressing & Decompressing Files

What is Gzip Command in Linux?

Gzip command in Linux is a utility for compressing files. It works by reducing the size of files to save disk space and reduce the transmission time over networks. Gzip compression is based on the Deflate algorithm, and is one of the most popular ways to compress files. Gzip is an open source alternative to the popular ZIP file format.

How Does Gzip Work?

Gzip works by using a combination of Huffman coding and LZ77 compression algorithms. First, Huffman coding divides the input file into symbols, and assigns shorter codes to more frequently used symbols. Then, LZ77 replaces repeated symbols with references to earlier symbols. This makes files smaller, so they require less memory and can be sent across networks faster.

How to Use Gzip Command in Linux?

To use Gzip command in Linux, you have to open the terminal and enter the command:

$ gzip [filename]

This command will compress the specified file and create a corresponding .gz archive in the same directory. To decompress the file, use the command:

$ gunzip [filename]

This command will extract the specified file from the .gz archive and put it in the current directory.

Conclusion

Gzip command in Linux is a great way to save disk space and reduce transfer times over the network. By using this command, you can easily compress and decompress files quickly and effectively. So if you need to compress or decompress files, make sure to use Gzip command in Linux!