Windows
Linux
File Management
Archives & Compression
Windows compact /c equivalent in Linux
Compresses individual files using gzip or xz to reduce their stored size.
Windows
→
compact /c
Linux equivalents
gzip file.log
gzip file.log
gzip file.log
Overview
What this command does
Compresses individual files using gzip or xz to reduce their stored size.
Migration tip: Windows
compact uses transparent NTFS compression. gzip and xz instead create compressed files such as file.log.gz or file.log.xz.Practical tasks
Common use cases
Compress individual files
Compresses individual files using gzip or xz to reduce their stored size.
gzip file.log
Compress to file.log.gz
gzip -k file.log
Keep the original file
xz -9 file.log
Use stronger xz compression
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
gzip file.log
gzip -k file.log
xz -9 file.log
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
gzip file.log # compress a file with gzip
gzip -k file.log # compress while keeping the original
xz -9 file.log # compress with maximum xz compressionReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
gzip file.log | Compress to file.log.gz |
gzip -k file.log | Keep the original file |
xz -9 file.log | Use stronger xz compression |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | gzip file.log |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | gzip file.log |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | gzip file.log |
Same command on this distribution. |
Important
What to watch out for
gzip and xz normally replace the source file. Use -k when you need to keep the original.
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