File Compression for Modern Computing
Many standard Linux tools have been around so long that second-generation tools are being developed to meet modern needs. For instance, Neovim is an update of the Vim text editor, and apt is a rearrangement of the basic tools for apt-get, the Debian package manager. Similarly, Zstandard (zstd) [1] is a revision of compression tools like tar and gzip, except with higher degrees of compression at a faster rate. Additionally, zstd includes several unique tools for enhanced performance, such as advanced compression features, compression levels and strategies, and dictionaries.
zstd was written by Facebook employee Yann Collet and released in August 2016. Briefly, it is a lossless compression algorithm based loosely on the earlier LZ77 algorithm [2]. The command's syntax is deliberately similar to that of gzip, down to variations on the basic command that are the equivalent of popular options. For example, zstdmt is the same as zstd -T0 (use the same number of threads as detected cores), whereas unzstd is the same as zstd -d (decompress), and zstdcat is the same as zstd -dcf (decompress, force write to standard output, and overwrite without prompt).
The Basics
Getting started with zstd is as simple as typing:
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.