More about 7Z to TAR (Archive converter)

Converting 7Z to TAR: A Complete Guide

Converting a 7Z file to a TAR file can be an essential step when you need to archive multiple files or directories and ensure they can be easily handled in UNIX-based systems. The TAR format, while not compressed by default, is widely used for bundling multiple files together, and it is often combined with compression formats like GZIP or BZIP2. In this article, we will explore the reasons for converting 7Z to TAR and how to do it efficiently.

What Is a 7Z File?

A 7Z file is a compressed archive created using the 7-Zip utility. It uses advanced compression algorithms, such as LZMA and LZMA2, which offer higher compression ratios compared to other formats like ZIP and RAR. The 7Z format is known for its high compression efficiency and support for various features like file splitting, password protection, and AES-256 encryption. It is ideal for compressing large files and datasets into a single, easily manageable archive.

What Is a TAR File?

The TAR format, short for Tape Archive, is used to bundle multiple files and directories into a single file. Unlike 7Z, TAR does not compress files by itself. Instead, it preserves the file structure and metadata of the contents. TAR is widely used in UNIX-based systems for creating backups and archives. It is often combined with compression algorithms such as GZIP, BZIP2, or XZ to reduce the size of the archive. A typical TAR file has the .tar extension, and when compressed, it may have extensions like .tar.gz or .tar.bz2.

Why Convert 7Z to TAR?

There are several reasons why you might need to convert a 7Z file to a TAR file:

• Compatibility with UNIX/Linux Systems: TAR is the default format for archiving files in UNIX-based systems, making it essential for users in such environments.
• Multi-file Bundling: If you need to bundle multiple files or directories into a single archive, TAR is an excellent choice for keeping the file structure intact.
• Ease of Use in Programming and Scripting: TAR is commonly used in scripts and automation tools, especially for tasks like backups, file distribution, or system migrations.
• Simple Packaging: TAR archives allow you to easily package a set of files without the complexity of compression, making it ideal when you intend to compress the files using another tool, such as GZIP or BZIP2, afterward.

How to Convert 7Z to TAR

Converting a 7Z file to TAR can be done using various software tools, and the process is relatively simple. Below, we explain how to convert using both GUI-based tools like 7-Zip and command-line utilities.

Using 7-Zip (Windows)

1. Install and open 7-Zip on your computer if you don’t have it already.
2. Right-click on the 7Z file and select "7-Zip" > "Open archive."
3. Extract the contents of the 7Z archive to a folder.
4. Select the extracted files and right-click on them, then choose "7-Zip" > "Add to archive."
5. In the "Add to Archive" window, select the "tar" format from the drop-down menu.
6. Click "OK" to create a new TAR archive with the selected files.

Using Command Line (Linux/UNIX)

If you are using a Linux or UNIX-based operating system, you can use the following command to convert a 7Z file to TAR:

7z e input.7z -ooutput_directory && tar -cf output.tar output_directory/

This command first extracts the contents of the 7Z archive and then bundles the extracted files into a TAR archive.

Advantages of Using TAR Format

While TAR is primarily used for file bundling, it offers several advantages when compared to other compression formats:

• Preserves File Structure: TAR archives maintain the original directory structure and metadata, which makes it ideal for backing up or archiving entire directories.
• Compatibility with UNIX/Linux: TAR is natively supported by almost all UNIX-based systems, including Linux, macOS, and BSD.
• Integration with Other Compression Tools: TAR files are often used in combination with other compression algorithms like GZIP or BZIP2 to achieve both bundling and compression.
• File Integrity: TAR is a lossless format, ensuring that no data is lost during the archiving process, and the files remain intact.
• Scriptable and Automated: TAR is easily integrated into scripts for automated backups, file transfers, or system migrations, making it a preferred choice for system administrators.

Common Use Cases for TAR Files

TAR files are used in a variety of scenarios, including:

• System Backups: TAR is commonly used in UNIX-based systems for creating system backups and archiving large sets of files or directories.
• Data Distribution: TAR is widely used for distributing software packages and large datasets, especially in Linux-based distributions.
• File Archiving: TAR is ideal for archiving files, especially when preserving the directory structure and metadata is important.
• Software Packaging: Many software packages, especially those distributed through Linux package managers, are distributed in TAR format (often combined with GZIP or BZIP2 compression).

When to Use TAR Over 7Z

While 7Z is an excellent format for general-purpose compression, there are specific scenarios where TAR may be the better choice:

• Bundling Multiple Files: If you need to bundle several files or directories into one archive without compression, TAR is the ideal option.
• System Administration: TAR is commonly used in UNIX/Linux environments for backup and recovery operations due to its simplicity and compatibility with shell scripts.
• File Compatibility: If you need to share files with users who are working in a UNIX-based environment, converting to TAR ensures the file is compatible with their systems.

Conclusion

Converting a 7Z file to TAR can be a useful step when you need to bundle files and directories for UNIX-based systems or integrate with other compression tools like GZIP. The TAR format offers simplicity, compatibility, and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of tasks such as system backups, software distribution, and file archiving. By following the methods outlined above, you can easily convert your 7Z files to TAR and leverage its powerful bundling capabilities.