GZIP vs. TAR — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 28, 2023
Gzip compresses data, while Tar groups multiple files into one. Together, they often combine to create compressed archives in Linux.
Difference Between GZIP and TAR
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gzip and Tar are both popular utilities in the Unix/Linux world, with distinct yet sometimes complementary roles. Gzip, which stands for GNU zip, is a file compression tool. It's specifically designed to reduce the size of a file, making it efficient for storage and transmission. Tar, on the other hand, doesn't compress. Instead, it combines multiple files or directories into a single file, known as a tarball, for easier management and distribution.
The primary purpose of Gzip is to compress a file, thereby minimizing its size. This becomes essential when dealing with large files or datasets, as compression speeds up data transfer and conserves storage space. Gzip achieves its compression by identifying and eliminating redundant data within a file. Conversely, Tar serves to group multiple files together without altering their size. It is particularly handy when one needs to archive or back up multiple files or directories as a single entity.
When handling multiple files or directories, it's common to use both Gzip and Tar in tandem. Initially, Tar groups the files into a single tarball. Subsequently, Gzip compresses the tarball to reduce its size. This results in a .tar.gz or .tgz file, which is a compressed tarball.
The integration of Gzip and Tar showcases the Unix philosophy of having small, specialized tools that can be combined to achieve more complex tasks. While Gzip ensures data is compact, Tar ensures data is organized. Together, they are a powerful duo for handling, distributing, and storing data in the Unix/Linux ecosystem.
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
File compression
Combining multiple files/directories
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File Extension
.gz
.tar
Handles Multiple Files
No (only compresses one file)
Yes (combines multiple files)
Compression
Yes
No
Usage with the Other
Often used to compress tarballs (.tar.gz)
Often used before Gzip for multiple files
Compare with Definitions
Gzip
A file compression utility in Unix/Linux systems.
By using Gzip, the large dataset was reduced to half its original size.
Tar
A utility to combine multiple files/directories into one.
Using Tar, I grouped all project files into a single tarball.
Gzip
Creates files with a .gz extension.
After compression, my file was named data.txt.gz.
Tar
Can be combined with compression tools like Gzip.
To save space, I first used Tar and then Gzip, resulting in a compressed tarball.
Gzip
Reduces storage space by eliminating redundant data.
Gzip made it possible to store more files on the limited disk space.
Tar
Does not compress files, only groups them.
The size remained consistent even after using Tar.
Gzip
Designed for single-file compression.
I used Gzip to compress the log file before sending it via email.
Tar
Tar is a dark brown or black viscous liquid of hydrocarbons and free carbon, obtained from a wide variety of organic materials through destructive distillation. Tar can be produced from coal, wood, petroleum, or peat.Mineral products resembling tar can be produced from fossil hydrocarbons, such as petroleum.
Gzip
Commonly paired with Tar to compress tarballs.
After creating a tarball, I ran Gzip to get a .tar.gz file.
Tar
A dark, thick flammable liquid distilled from wood or coal, consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons, resins, alcohols, and other compounds. It is used in road-making and for coating and preserving timber.
Gzip
Gzip is a file format and a software application used for file compression and decompression. The program was created by Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler as a free software replacement for the compress program used in early Unix systems, and intended for use by GNU (the "g" is from "GNU").
Tar
A sailor.
Gzip
To compress using the gzip program.
Tar
Cover (something) with tar
A newly tarred road
Tar
A dark, oily, viscous material, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons, produced by the destructive distillation of organic substances such as wood, coal, or peat.
Tar
See coal tar.
Tar
A solid residue of tobacco smoke containing byproducts of combustion.
Tar
A sailor.
Tar
To coat with or as if with tar.
Tar
A black, oily, sticky, viscous substance, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons derived from organic materials such as wood, peat, or coal.
Tar
Coal tar.
Tar
(uncountable) A solid residual byproduct of tobacco smoke.
Tar
A sailor, because of the traditional tarpaulin clothes.
Jack Tar
Tar
(uncountable) Black tar, a form of heroin.
Tar
(computing) A program for archiving files, common on Unix systems.
Tar
(computing) A file produced by such a program.
Tar
A Persian long-necked, waisted string instrument, shared by many cultures and countries in the Middle East and the Caucasus.
Tar
A single-headed round frame drum originating in North Africa and the Middle East.
Tar
(transitive) To coat with tar.
Tar
(transitive) To besmirch.
The allegations tarred his name, even though he was found innocent.
Tar
To create a tar archive.
Tar
A sailor; a seaman.
Tar
A thick, black, viscous liquid obtained by the distillation of wood, coal, etc., and having a varied composition according to the temperature and material employed in obtaining it.
Tar
To smear with tar, or as with tar; as, to tar ropes; to tar cloth.
Tar
Any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
Tar
A man who serves as a sailor
Tar
Coat with tar;
Tar the roof
Tar the roads
Tar
Produces .tar files, known as tarballs.
The backup resulted in a backup.tar file.
Tar
Essential for archiving and backup in Unix/Linux systems.
I use Tar regularly for my monthly backup routine.
Common Curiosities
How does Tar handle multiple files or directories?
Tar combines multiple files or directories into a single tarball.
What's the main purpose of Gzip?
Gzip's primary role is to compress single files.
Can Gzip compress multiple files simultaneously?
No, Gzip compresses only one file. To handle multiple files, one usually uses Tar first.
Does Tar offer any compression?
No, Tar only groups files together without compressing them.
What is a tarball?
A tarball is a single file created by Tar that contains multiple files or directories.
Can Gzip work with Tar files?
Yes, Gzip is often used to compress tarballs, resulting in .tar.gz files.
How do you create a compressed archive of multiple files in Unix/Linux?
You'd first use Tar to create a tarball and then compress it with Gzip, resulting in a .tar.gz file.
How can I decompress a .gz file?
You can use the 'gunzip' command or 'gzip -d' to decompress a .gz file.
What's the typical file extension for Gzip-compressed files?
Gzip-compressed files typically have a .gz extension.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
