Tar Format Showdown: Which One Reigns Supreme?
2025-07-07
This article delves into a comprehensive compatibility test of various tar formats (v7, ustar, pax, GNU, etc.). The results reveal that POSIX ustar boasts the best compatibility, while GNU excels with long paths and large files. Pax, although feature-rich, suffers from poor compatibility. The author recommends prioritizing ustar, using GNU for long paths and large files when necessary, and exercising caution with pax's extended features to ensure maximum compatibility.