Archive glossary
Simple definitions for ZIP tools, compression methods, checksums, split archives, and safety terms.
Archive
A container file that groups one or more files together for storage or sharing.
TermCompression
A process that reduces file size by representing data more efficiently.
TermDeflate
The most common compression method used inside standard ZIP files.
TermStored entry
A ZIP entry packaged without compression. It is useful for compatibility but does not shrink size.
TermCentral directory
The ZIP metadata area that lists entries and helps extractors locate files.
TermLocal file header
A ZIP header placed before each file entry inside the archive.
TermZIP64
An extension to ZIP that supports very large files and archives with many entries.
TermCRC32
A checksum commonly used by ZIP files to detect accidental data errors.
TermChecksum
A value used to verify that a file has not changed or downloaded incorrectly.
TermSHA-256
A cryptographic hash often published to verify software downloads.
TermSplit archive
An archive divided into multiple parts such as .z01, .z02, .001, or part1.rar.
TermSelf-extracting archive
An executable archive that can unpack itself and may run code.
TermZIP bomb
A malicious or dangerous archive that expands to a much larger size than expected.
TermData descriptor
ZIP metadata sometimes written after file data, often used with streamed ZIP creation.
TermMagic bytes
The first bytes of a file that help identify its real format.