pigz (parallel implementation of gzip) is a fully functional replacement for gzip that uses multiple processors and multiple cores to the hilt when compressing data.
The software compresses using threads to make use of multiple processors and cores.The input is broken up into 128 KB chunks with each compressed in parallel. The individual check value for eachc hunk is also calculated in parallel. The compressed data is written in order to the output, and a combined check value is calculated from the individual check values.
Decompression can’t be parallelized. pigz uses a single thread (the main thread) for decompression, but can create three other threads for reading, writing, and check calculation, which can speed up decompression under some circumstances.
Features include:
- Compressed data format generated is in the gzip, zlib, or single-entry zip format using the deflate compression method.
- Regulate the speed of compression. There’s the option of obtaining a few extra percent of compression using the zopfli algorithm.
- Compress blocks independently for damage recovery.
- Compress to PKWare zip (.zip) single entry format.
- Compress to zlib (.zz) format.
- Allow up to n processes (default is the number of online processors).
- Define maximum number of split blocks.
Website: zlib.net/pigz
Support: Manual, GitHub code repository
Developer: Mark Adler
License: Meets the requirements of open source
pigz is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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