# lzip

> compression software

**Wikidata**: [Q1143890](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1143890)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lzip)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lzip

## Summary
Lzip is a free, open-source compression software that uses the LZMA algorithm to create compressed archives, primarily for Unix-like operating systems. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, and includes a recovery tool called Lziprecover for damaged files. The project was initiated in 2008 and is maintained by Antonio Diaz.

## Key Facts
- **Primary use**: Data compression, specifically for creating LZIP compressed archives.
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- **Operating systems**: Microsoft Windows, macOS, BSD, and Unix-like systems.
- **Inception**: 2008.
- **Maintained by**: Antonio Diaz.
- **Latest stable version**: 1.25 (released on 2025-01-17).
- **File format**: LZIP compressed archive.
- **Included tools**: Lziprecover for file recovery.
- **Backward compatibility**: Includes lzgrep and lzdiff for compatibility with LZMA Utils.
- **Package availability**: Available in repositories for Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, and others.
- **Programming language**: Written in C++.
- **Website**: https://www.nongnu.org/lzip/.
- **Mailing list**: https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/.
- **Copyright status**: Dedicated to the public domain by the copyright holder.

## FAQs
- **What is lzip used for?** Lzip is a compression tool that creates LZIP compressed archives, primarily for Unix-like systems. It is designed to efficiently compress and decompress files using the LZMA algorithm.
- **Is lzip free software?** Yes, lzip is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.
- **Which operating systems does lzip support?** Lzip is compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, BSD, and Unix-like operating systems.
- **What is the latest version of lzip?** The latest stable version is 1.25, released on January 17, 2025.
- **Does lzip include any recovery tools?** Yes, lzip includes Lziprecover, a tool for recovering damaged lzip files.
- **Is lzip compatible with LZMA Utils?** Yes, lzip includes lzgrep and lzdiff for backward compatibility with LZMA Utils.
- **Who maintains lzip?** Lzip is maintained by Antonio Diaz.
- **What file format does lzip use?** Lzip creates LZIP compressed archives.
- **Where can I download lzip?** Lzip can be downloaded from its official website at https://www.nongnu.org/lzip/ or from package repositories like Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, and Debian.

## Why It Matters
Lzip plays a crucial role in the open-source compression software ecosystem by providing a robust, efficient, and free alternative to proprietary compression tools. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and adherence to open-source principles make it a valuable tool for users who prioritize freedom and flexibility in their software choices. The inclusion of Lziprecover ensures that users can recover damaged files, adding an extra layer of reliability. By being maintained actively and distributed under a permissive license, lzip remains a relevant and trusted option for data compression tasks.

## Notable For
- **Open-source licensing**: Distributed under the GNU GPL, ensuring users have the freedom to modify and redistribute the software.
- **Cross-platform compatibility**: Works on Microsoft Windows, macOS, BSD, and Unix-like systems.
- **File recovery tool**: Includes Lziprecover for recovering damaged lzip files.
- **Backward compatibility**: Includes lzgrep and lzdiff for compatibility with LZMA Utils.
- **Active maintenance**: Maintained by Antonio Diaz, ensuring regular updates and improvements.
- **Package availability**: Available in major package repositories, making it easily accessible to users.

## Body
### Overview
Lzip is a free, open-source compression software that uses the LZMA algorithm to create compressed archives. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, and is designed primarily for Unix-like operating systems. The project was initiated in 2008 and is maintained by Antonio Diaz.

### Features
- **Compression algorithm**: Lzip uses the LZMA algorithm, which is known for its high compression ratio and efficiency.
- **File recovery**: Includes Lziprecover, a tool for recovering damaged lzip files.
- **Backward compatibility**: Includes lzgrep and lzdiff for compatibility with LZMA Utils.
- **Cross-platform support**: Compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, BSD, and Unix-like operating systems.

### Versions
- **1.18**: Released on June 3, 2016.
- **1.19**: Released on April 29, 2017.
- **1.20**: Released on February 14, 2018.
- **1.21**: Released on January 14, 2019.
- **1.22**: Released on January 11, 2021.
- **1.23**: Released on February 4, 2022.
- **1.24**: Released on January 29, 2024.
- **1.24.1**: Released on March 1, 2024.
- **1.25**: Released on January 17, 2025.

### Distribution
- **Package repositories**: Available in Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, and others.
- **Website**: Official website is https://www.nongnu.org/lzip/.
- **Mailing list**: Users can subscribe to the mailing list at https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/.

### Technical Details
- **Programming language**: Written in C++.
- **File format**: Creates LZIP compressed archives.
- **Copyright status**: Dedicated to the public domain by the copyright holder.

### Related Projects
- **Lziprecover**: A recovery tool for lzip files.
- **Lzgrep and lzdiff**: Tools provided for backward compatibility with LZMA Utils.

### Community and Maintenance
- **Maintained by**: Antonio Diaz.
- **Active development**: Regular updates and improvements are made to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Lzip is a robust, open-source compression tool that offers efficient file compression and recovery capabilities, making it a valuable asset in the open-source software ecosystem. Its cross-platform compatibility and active maintenance ensure its continued relevance and utility.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nongnu.org/lzip/lzip.html)
2. Free Software Directory
3. [Source](http://download.savannah.gnu.org/releases/lzip/)
4. [Index of /releases/lzip/](http://download.savannah.gnu.org/releases/lzip/)
5. [Index of /releases/lzip/](https://download.savannah.gnu.org/releases/lzip/)
6. [Lzip 1.21 released. 2019](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2019-01/msg00010.html)
7. [Lzip 1.22 released. 2021](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2021-01/msg00008.html)
8. [Lzip 1.23 released. 2022](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2022-02/msg00000.html)
9. [Lzip 1.24 released. 2024](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2024-01/msg00013.html)
10. [Lzip 1.24.1 released. 2024](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2024-03/msg00003.html)
11. [Lzip 1.25 released. 2025](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2025-01/msg00012.html)
12. [[Lzip-bug] Lzip 1.26 released. 2026](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/lzip-bug/2026-03/msg00005.html)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/lzip-bug)