7za is a file archiver that shares many similarities with 7z, but it has a slightly different focus and functionality. Like 7z, it is known for its high compression ratio, which allows for significant reduction in file sizes. However, there are a few notable distinctions between the two.
The primary difference is that 7za supports fewer file types compared to 7z. While 7z can compress and decompress files in a wide range of formats, including 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, and more, 7za has a more limited set of supported formats. The specific formats supported by 7za depend on the version and platform you are using, but generally, it supports the essential compression formats such as 7z, ZIP, and TAR.
Despite supporting fewer file types, 7za still maintains the core feature that sets it apart: its high compression ratio. It employs the same LZMA algorithm used by 7z to achieve efficient compression. This means that you can expect similar compression results when using 7za, albeit with a more limited selection of file formats.
Another notable aspect of 7za is its cross-platform compatibility. It is designed to work on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and others. This cross-platform support makes it a versatile choice for users who need to compress or decompress files across different operating systems without having to worry about compatibility issues.
To use 7za, you typically interact with it through a command-line interface, similar to 7z. It provides commands for creating archives, extracting files from archives, and performing other operations related to compression and decompression.
7za Command Examples
1. [a]rchive a file or directory:
# 7za a /path/to/archive.7z /path/to/file_or_directory
2. Encrypt an existing archive (including file names):
# 7za a /path/to/encrypted.7z -p[password] -mhe=on /path/to/archive.7z
3. E[x]tract an archive preserving the original directory structure:
# 7za x /path/to/archive.7z
4. E[x]tract an archive to a specific directory:
# 7za x /path/to/archive.7z -o /path/to/output
5. E[x]tract an archive to stdout:
# 7za x /path/to/archive.7z -so
6. [a]rchive using a specific archive type:
# 7za a -t [7z|bzip2|gzip|lzip|tar|zip] /path/to/archive.7z /path/to/file_or_directory
7. [l]ist the contents of an archive:
# 7za l /path/to/archive.7z
8. List available archive types:
# 7za i
Summary
Overall, 7za is a file archiver that emphasizes high compression ratios and cross-platform compatibility. While it supports fewer file types compared to 7z, it still offers efficient compression capabilities, making it a useful tool for users who require a cross-platform archiving solution with a focus on compression efficiency.