What Is The Full Form Of ZIP?
There is no full form of ZIP.
ZIP is a type of archive file format. It supports lossless data compression (meaning, perfect reconstruction of original data from compressed data). A ZIP file may also contain more than one compressed file/directory. Various data compression algorithms are also available, like Huffman coding, DEFLATE, LZMA (Lempel–Ziv–Markov chain algorithm), arithmetic coding, etc. DEFLATE is the most common among them all. You can consider a ZIP file as a combination of various files and folders (compressed)- which can combine together into an archive.
The informal meaning of the ZIP abbreviation is move at high speed. Released on February 14, 1989, it was co-created by Philip Walter Katz. A ZIP file generally uses the .zip or the .ZIP file extensions, along with the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) type application/zip. It acts as a base file format for many programs but usually does it under a different name. When a user navigates a file system via the interface, the graphical icons that represent the ZIP files often appear in the form of a document or any other object that prominently features a zipper.
Characteristics of ZIP
- Various ZIP tools are available for creating a ZIP file, like WinRAR, WinZip, 7-zip, etc. Some tools can also unpack the content that a ZIP file carries.
- A ZIP file format makes use of the .zip or .ZIP and the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) type application/zip.
- These files support ZipCrypto. It refers to password-based authentication, and it avoids unauthenticated people from reaching the contents they carry within.
- The ZIP file format is compatible for use within all OS (operating systems), like Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Aim of ZIP Files
The primary aim of zipping a file is data compression. One can easily share media and other content in a zip file without compromising its quality.
Data Compression – It is a way of encoding structured data- so that it takes up less space while storing on a computer-based system. It basically involves re-encoding information by utilizing fewer bits than its original representation.
Advantages of ZIP
- You can compress any folder or file to a significant extent using the ZIP file format. It can, thus, help you save up to 80% (or more) space on the hard disk.
- Zipping supports data encryption- which is beneficial while sharing private or important data over the internet.
- It is easier to share/transmit zipped files over the internet. It helps a user reduce the transmission time drastically.
- A ZIP file’s minimum size is 22 bytes. It is an empty file containing only one EOCD (End of Central Directory Record).
- It allows a user to encrypt and secure data that is private.
- ZIP files improve the integrity of information and media.
Disadvantages of ZIP
- Uncompressing ZIP files take up computer processor time along with its memory. The processor runs in the background to complete the task, and the user may encounter an Out of MEMORY error.
- It is possible for zip files to get corrupted. Extraction of folders and files correctly becomes very difficult in such cases.
- Damaged data and information can directly affect the entire ZIP file along with its content.
- It is possible for the files to become unencrypted.
- You cannot make some files smaller in some situations (like compressing audio or video files). The compressed files become larger than the original files in such cases.
Keep learning and stay tuned to get the latest updates on GATE Exam along with Eligibility Criteria, GATE Syllabus, Cut off, GATE Previous Year Question Papers, and more.
Comments