7Z: 7-Zip Archive

Overview

7-Zip is an open-source file archiver with one of the highest compression ratios available. Developed by Igor Pavlov in 1999, the 7z format uses advanced LZMA and LZMA2 compression algorithms to achieve compression ratios that are typically 30-70% better than ZIP.

The format supports files up to 16 billion GB in size and includes strong AES-256 encryption for security. 7-Zip is completely free and open-source, making it popular for both personal and commercial use.

History

Development History

• 1999: First release by Igor Pavlov
• 2000: LZMA compression algorithm introduced
• 2009: LZMA2 algorithm added for better multi-threading
• 2015: Version 15.0 with improved performance

Features and Capabilities

Key Features

• Excellent compression ratio (30-70% better than ZIP)
• Support for multiple compression algorithms (LZMA, LZMA2, PPMd, BZip2)
• AES-256 encryption for security
• Support for files up to 16 billion GB
• Multi-threading support for faster compression
• Self-extracting archive capability
• Archive encryption including file names
• Solid compression for better ratios

Common Use Cases

Common Uses

• Software distribution: Distributing large applications with minimal download size
• Backup and archival: Long-term storage with maximum space savings
• Data transfer: Sending large files over the internet
• Sensitive data: Encrypted archives for confidential information

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

• Best-in-class compression ratios
• Open-source and free
• Strong encryption support
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Support for very large files

Disadvantages

• Slower compression speed than ZIP
• Less universal support than ZIP
• Requires 7-Zip or compatible software to extract
• Not natively supported on macOS or Windows

Technical Information

7z is a highly efficient compression format that uses multiple compression algorithms to achieve optimal results.

Technical Specifications