File Compression for Modern Computing
Command Line – zstd
© Lead Image © modella, 123RF.com
In an effort to meet modern computing needs, zstd offers a greater degree of compression at a faster compression rate, with unique options to enhance performance.
Many standard Linux tools have been around so long that second-generation tools are being developed to meet modern needs. For instance, Neovim is an update of the Vim text editor, and apt is a rearrangement of the basic tools for apt-get, the Debian package manager. Similarly, Zstandard (zstd) [1] is a revision of compression tools like tar and gzip, except with higher degrees of compression at a faster rate. Additionally, zstd includes several unique tools for enhanced performance, such as advanced compression features, compression levels and strategies, and dictionaries.
zstd was written by Facebook employee Yann Collet and released in August 2016. Briefly, it is a lossless compression algorithm based loosely on the earlier LZ77 algorithm [2]. The command's syntax is deliberately similar to that of gzip, down to variations on the basic command that are the equivalent of popular options. For example, zstdmt is the same as zstd -T0 (use the same number of threads as detected cores), whereas unzstd is the same as zstd -d (decompress), and zstdcat is the same as zstd -dcf (decompress, force write to standard output, and overwrite without prompt).
The Basics
Getting started with zstd is as simple as typing:
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
The Bullet-Proof KDE Software Initiative Is Coming
KDE, Techpaladin, and Kubuntu Focus have announced a new initiative that will provide at least three years of support for KDE Plasma 6.6 LTS and related software.
-
Linux Mint Shares a Possible Kernel Cleanup Solution
For those on Linux Mint who like to keep multiple kernels around but don't want them to take up too much space, you might be getting a new automated tool.
-
CachyOS Gets an Update
CachyOS August 2026 release is now available with the latest version of KDE, some new features, and plenty of improvements.
-
The Linux Kernel Dev Staging Area Now Rejects AI-Generated Patches
Unless a kernel patch is a valid security fix, it will be rejected if it was created using AI.
-
Linux Surpasses Double-Digit Market Share
According to two sources, the Linux operating system has hit a major milestone in market share that naysayers thought would never happen.
-
AI Helped Develop a Linux Exploit
A use-after-free race exploit was discovered and exploited on CentOS Stream 9.
-
Yet Another Linux Kernel Vulnerability Discovered
Affecting millions of systems, a kernel flaw discovered by Qualys could allow users to gain root privileges.
-
Ubuntu 26.10 to Include Ubuntu Certified Hardware Check
If you've ever wondered if your laptop or PC is officially certified to run Ubuntu, that curiosity will soon be met.
-
Substantial Update to IPFire Now Available
The lastest version of IPFire features a fundamental change to how the system handles DNS.
-
Gnome Working on Test Center App to Make Testing Easier
It's now possible to test experimental features on the Gnome desktop without worrying that you'll break things.