Unzip vs. Gunzip: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 7, 2023
Unzip refers to extracting files from archives with the .zip format, while gunzip is used to decompress files with the .gz extension.
Key Differences
Unzip is a utility that extracts files from a .zip archive, a container for one or more compressed files. Gunzip is specifically used for decompressing .gz files, which are often a single file compressed with the gzip compression algorithm.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
The unzip command is versatile, allowing not just extraction but also viewing contents of a ZIP archive without extracting them. Gunzip, on the other hand, is more straightforward, typically decompressing .gz files into their original form.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
When using unzip, users can extract all or specific files within a .zip archive. Gunzip decompresses the entire .gz file and does not support extracting individual files from a multi-file archive without additional commands.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Both unzip and gunzip serve the purpose of data decompression, but they operate on different file formats and use distinct compression algorithms. While unzip is often associated with the PKZIP compression tool, gunzip is part of the GNU free software project.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Unzip and gunzip reflect the diversity of file compression tools available for managing file sizes. Each serves its purpose within different contexts, be it for personal file management or within software distribution.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Compression Algorithm
Uses ZIP compression algorithm.
Uses gzip compression algorithm.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Utility Availability
Common in various operating systems.
Typically found in Unix-like systems.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Command Complexity
Can include options for viewing, testing, etc.
Usually straightforward, primarily decompresses.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Output
Can extract to multiple files and directories.
Decompresses to a single file.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
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Unzip and Gunzip Definitions
Unzip
To extract files from a ZIP archive.
I used unzip to extract images from the downloaded archive.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Gunzip
The action of undoing gzip file compression.
You'll need to gunzip that archive before reading the contents.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Unzip
Opening a .zip file to access its contents.
She instructed the program to unzip the project files.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Gunzip
Decompression of files compressed by gzip.
Gunzip reduced the file back to its original size.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Unzip
To release the compressed data into a specified directory.
Unzip the documents into the 'Reports' directory.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
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Gunzip
A command to decompress .gz files.
To view the log, first gunzip the file.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Unzip
A command or action to decompress files in .zip format.
After downloading, unzip the folder to install the software.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Gunzip
Extracting the contents of a gzip-compressed file.
She used gunzip on the dataset before analysis.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Unzip
The process of reversing the file compression.
Use the unzip command to revert the files to their original size.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Gunzip
A Unix command for decompressing .gz files.
Use gunzip to decompress the downloaded .gz file.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
FAQs
Is unzip available on Linux?
Yes, unzip is available on Linux and other operating systems.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can gunzip extract files from a .zip archive?
No, gunzip is specific to .gz files.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can unzip extract single files from an archive?
Yes, unzip can extract specific files from a .zip archive.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Does gunzip work on Windows?
Gunzip can work on Windows but is native to Unix-like systems.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
What command lists contents of a .zip archive?
Unzip with the -l option lists the contents without extracting them.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
What's the difference in the compression algorithm between unzip and gunzip?
Unzip uses the ZIP algorithm, while gunzip uses the gzip algorithm.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Can gunzip compress files?
No, gunzip only decompresses; gzip is used for compression.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
What is a common use for unzip and gunzip?
Both are commonly used to decompress downloaded files or archives.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
How do you specify the output directory with unzip?
Use unzip with the -d option followed by the directory name.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Can I use unzip to create .zip files?
No, unzip is for extraction; use a tool like zip to create .zip files.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
How can I see the content of a .gz file without decompressing?
Use the gzip tool with the -l option to list contents.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Can gunzip decompress multiple files at once?
No, gunzip decompresses one .gz file at a time.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Does gunzip keep the original .gz file after decompression?
No, by default, it deletes the original .gz file.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Are unzip and gunzip interchangeable?
No, they are used for different file formats.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Can unzip handle password-protected .zip files?
Yes, with the -P option followed by the password.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Is gunzip the same as gzip?
No, gzip compresses files, while gunzip decompresses them.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
