GNU 1.21

GNU 1.21

GNU tar

GNU tar is an archiver that creates and handles file archives in various formats. You can use tar to create file archives, to extract files from previously created archives, store additional files, or update or list files which were already stored.

The program saves many files together into a single tape or disk archive, and can restore individual files from the archive. It includes multivolume support, the ability to archive sparse files, automatic archive compression/decompression, remote archives and special features that allow 'tar' to be used for incremental and full backups.

The supported archive formats are: V7 tar, GNU, ustar and POSIX (also known as pax interchange format). GNU tar can also read and extract 'star' archives. Tar can direct its output to available devices, files, or other programs (using pipes); tar can even access remote devices or files (as archives).

Last updated 24 Apr, 2009