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Tar.gz and the MegaMek Suite

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Dave N edited this page Sep 1, 2024 · 1 revision

We've Transitioned to .tar.gz Files

We've moved from using zip files to .tar.gz files for our downloads. This widely used archive format combines file packaging and compression, making it easier to manage the large number of files we have in the programs. Using .tar.gz provides an efficient way to package and compress files, reducing download sizes and simplifying distribution.

Depending on your operating system, you may need to use different tools to extract these files.

Why Use .tar.gz Files?

The .tar.gz format is popular in Unix and Linux environments and is also supported on Windows and macOS through built-in tools or third-party applications. It offers several key advantages:

  • Unified Packaging: With .tar.gz, we provide a single download that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring all users access the same files in the same version.
  • Efficiency: This format is highly efficient for managing large numbers of files. For instance, MekHQ includes 933 folders and 16,522 files. Using .tar.gz compresses these files into a single, manageable archive, reducing storage requirements and speeding up downloads.
  • Compatibility: Most modern operating systems and many third-party tools support .tar.gz files, making them a versatile choice for our distribution needs.

Looking Ahead

As our programs continue to expand the data and images, we need to have an efficient data storage and management file. We'll be reviewing and monitoring feedback on the .tar.gz format to ensure it meets our needs and those of our users. If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please let us know on our Discord server.

How to Extract .tar.gz Files

Here's a quick guide on how to extract .tar.gz files on different operating systems, along with recommended extraction tools:

Operating System Built-In Support for .tar.gz Files Recommended Method Alternate Extraction Method
Windows 11 (version 22H2 and later) Yes Use third-party tools: 7-Zip, WinRAR, WinZip Use File Explorer: Right-click the .tar.gz file, select "Extract All"
Windows 11 (versions before 22H2) No Use third-party tools: 7-Zip, WinRAR, WinZip Use Command Prompt with tar -xvzf filename.tar.gz
Windows 10 (version 1803 and later) No Use third-party tools: 7-Zip, WinRAR, WinZip Use Command Prompt or PowerShell with tar -xvzf filename.tar.gz
Windows 10 (versions before 1803) & Earlier Versions No Use third-party tools: 7-Zip, WinRAR, WinZip N/A
macOS (starting from Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah, March 2001) Yes Use Finder's built-in Archive Utility or The Unarchiver Use Terminal with tar -xzvf filename.tar.gz
Linux (all major distributions) Yes GUI's built-in unarchiver Use Terminal with tar -xzvf filename.tar.gz

How to Check Your Windows Version

To determine whether you can extract .tar.gz files natively or need to use a third-party tool, check your Windows version:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type winver and press Enter.
  3. A window will appear displaying your Windows version and build number.

Recommended Extraction Tools

For the best experience when extracting .tar.gz files, we recommend using the following tools based on your operating system:

Windows

  1. 7-Zip: An open-source, free zip program that is significantly faster, more stable, and supports more file types than the built-in Windows zipper.
  2. WinRAR: A powerful tool with a user-friendly interface, supporting a wide range of compression formats, including .tar.gz.
  3. WinZip: A popular choice that offers robust features and compatibility with various file formats.

macOS

  1. Finder's Built-In Archive Utility: macOS includes a built-in utility to handle .tar.gz files easily. Simply double-click the file to extract it.
  2. The Unarchiver: A free, more versatile extraction tool that supports a wider range of formats than the default macOS utility.

Linux

  1. Built-In Unarchiver: Most Linux distributions come with built-in support for .tar.gz files. Use the file manager's extract option or the Terminal with the command tar -xzvf filename.tar.gz.
  2. Terminal: Directly extract files using the command line for full control over the extraction process: tar -xzvf filename.tar.gz.

These tools provide a reliable and efficient way to manage .tar.gz files, ensuring a smooth experience across all major operating systems. Using these recommended tools will help avoid the known issues associated with certain built-in extractors, particularly the Windows built-in zipper, which can struggle with large numbers of files.

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