# Lunzip

> decompressor written in C for lzip files

**Wikidata**: [Q131317550](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131317550)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lunzip

## Summary
Lunzip is a decompressor written in the C programming language designed specifically for lzip files. It is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License (version 2.0 or later) and is maintained by Antonio Diaz. The tool is classified as a decompressor and is available for Unix-like operating systems, including BSD and Linux distributions.

## Key Facts
- **Function:** Lunzip is a decompressor utility for files compressed using the lzip format.
- **Creator:** The software was created and is maintained by Antonio Diaz, who also holds the copyright.
- **License:** It is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- **Programming Language:** The software is written in C.
- **Latest Version:** The stable version 1.15 was released on January 7, 2025.
- **Previous Version:** Stable version 1.14 was released on January 24, 2024.
- **Operating System:** It runs on Unix-like systems, specifically noted as running on BSD.
- **Website:** The official homepage is https://www.nongnu.org/lzip/lunzip.html.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Lunzip used for?
A: Lunzip is used to decompress files archived in the lzip format. It is a tool written in C designed to recover original data from compressed lzip files.

### Q: Is Lunzip free to use?
A: Yes, Lunzip is free software. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: Who created Lunzip?
A: Lunzip was created by Antonio Diaz, who is also the copyright holder and current maintainer of the software.

### Q: On which operating systems does Lunzip run?
A: Lunzip runs on Unix-like operating systems, including BSD (such as OpenBSD and NetBSD) and various Linux distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, and Gentoo.

## Why It Matters
Lunzip serves a specific role in the free software ecosystem as a dedicated decompressor for the lzip compression format, which is based on the LZMA algorithm. By providing a tool written specifically in C, it offers a lightweight and potentially more portable solution for users who only need to decompress lzip files without the overhead of a full compression suite.

The software is significant for its wide integration across major open-source platforms. It is available in the official repositories of Debian (since February 2011), Ubuntu, Gentoo, and BSD ports (OpenBSD, NetBSD, MacPorts), ensuring that users on these systems have easy access to tools for handling lzip archives. As a "free software" class application, it guarantees users the freedom to study and modify the code, adhering to the principles of the GNU General Public License. The continued maintenance by Antonio Diaz, evidenced by the release of version 1.15 in early 2025, highlights its ongoing relevance and utility in modern computing environments.

## Notable For
- **Specific Utility:** Being a standalone decompressor specifically for lzip files, distinct from full compression utilities.
- **Broad Compatibility:** Inclusion in major package repositories including Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and Guix.
- **Free Software Principles:** Distribution under the GPL v2.0 or later, explicitly supporting user freedoms to run, study, and modify the software.
- **Active Maintenance:** Recent stable releases (version 1.15 in 2025) indicating active development and maintenance.

## Body

### Development and History
Lunzip is a software tool developed by Antonio Diaz. It functions as a decompressor for the lzip file format. The project is maintained actively, with a mailing list archive hosted at `https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/`.

**Version History:**
- **Version 1.14:** Released on January 24, 2024.
- **Version 1.15:** The current stable version, released on January 7, 2025.

### Technical Specifications
The software is written in the C programming language. It is classified as a "decompressor" and "free software." The copyright is held by Antonio Diaz. The software is designed to run on Unix-like operating systems, specifically categorized under BSD.

### Distribution and Availability
Lunzip is widely distributed across various free and open-source operating systems:
- **Debian:** Available as a source package (since Feb 2011) and a stable package.
- **Ubuntu:** Available via the `lunzip` package.
- **Gentoo:** Available as `app-arch/lunzip`.
- **BSD:** Ports exist for OpenBSD (`archivers/lzip/lunzip`) and NetBSD (`archivers/lunzip`).
- **Other:** It is also available via MacPorts (`lunzip`) and GNU Guix (`lunzip`).

## References

1. [source code](https://download.savannah.gnu.org/releases/lzip/lunzip/lunzip-1.15.tar.lz)
2. Free Software Directory
3. [Lunzip 1.14 released. 2024](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2024-01/msg00011.html)
4. [Lunzip 1.15 released. 2025](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2025-01/msg00007.html)
5. [Lunzip 1.16 released. 2026](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2026-03/msg00001.html)
6. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/bookworm/lunzip)
7. [Source](https://metadata.ftp-master.debian.org/changelogs//main/l/lunzip/lunzip_1.13-5_copyright)
8. [Source](https://openports.eu/ports/archivers/lzip/lunzip)