What is an Archiver?
An archiver refers to:
- Software for Handling Archive Files: A program used to create archive files (files that combine multiple files or folders into one) or to restore those archive files to their original state.
- Compression and Decompression Software: It may also refer to software that handles compression (combining files or folders into one while reducing their size) and decompression (restoring compressed files to their original state).
Detailed Explanation
- Archive vs. Compression:
- Archive: The process of combining multiple files or folders into one.
- Compression: The process of reducing the size of files or folders. Compression often involves combining multiple files into one and then reducing its size.
- Terminology Difference:
- Archive File: A file that has been combined into a single file.
- Compressed File: A file that has been reduced in size through compression.
Summary
An “archiver” is software used to create or restore archive files. It is also commonly used to refer to compression and decompression software.