How to use the command "pax" (with examples)
The “pax” command is an archiving and copying utility that allows users to create, list, and extract archive files. It provides a flexible and powerful way to manage files and directories.
Use case 1: List the contents of an archive
Code:
pax -f archive.tar
Motivation: This use case allows users to quickly view the contents of an archive file without extracting it. It can be helpful when you want to check the files inside an archive before proceeding with further operations.
Explanation:
-f archive.tar: Specifies the archive file to be listed.
Example output:
file1.txt
file2.txt
file3.txt
Use case 2: List the contents of a gzipped archive
Code:
pax -zf archive.tar.gz
Motivation:
This use case is helpful when working with compressed archive files. By using the -z option, “pax” can read and list the contents of a gzipped archive file directly.
Explanation:
-z: Instructs “pax” to work with a gzipped archive file.-f archive.tar.gz: Specifies the gzipped archive file to be listed.
Example output:
file1.txt
file2.txt
file3.txt
Use case 3: Create an archive from files
Code:
pax -wf target.tar path/to/file1 path/to/file2 path/to/file3
Motivation: This use case allows users to create an archive file from selected files. It is useful when you need to bundle specific files into a single archive for distribution or backup purposes.
Explanation:
-w: Creates a new archive file.-f target.tar: Specifies the name of the target archive file.path/to/file1 path/to/file2 path/to/file3: Specifies the files to be included in the archive.
Use case 4: Create an archive from files, using output redirection
Code:
pax -w path/to/file1 path/to/file2 path/to/file3 > target.tar
Motivation: This use case is similar to the previous one but redirects the output to a file. It can be handy when you want to create an archive without cluttering the terminal with the archive content.
Explanation:
-w: Creates a new archive file.path/to/file1 path/to/file2 path/to/file3: Specifies the files to be included in the archive.> target.tar: Redirects the output to a file named “target.tar”.
Use case 5: Extract an archive into the current directory
Code:
pax -rf source.tar
Motivation: This use case allows users to extract the contents of an archive into the current directory. It is useful when you want to decompress an archive and preserve the original directory structure.
Explanation:
-r: Restores files from the archive.-f source.tar: Specifies the archive file to be extracted.
Use case 6: Copy to a directory, while keeping the original metadata
Code:
pax -rw path/to/file1 path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 target/
Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to copy files to a directory while preserving their original metadata, such as permissions and timestamps. It ensures that the copied files maintain their integrity and attributes.
Explanation:
-r: Restores files from the archive.-w: Writes a new archive containing the specified files and directories.path/to/file1 path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2: Specifies the files and directories to be copied.target/: Specifies the target directory where the files and directories will be copied. The target directory must already exist.
Conclusion:
The “pax” command provides a versatile way to manage archive files. Whether you need to list the contents of an archive, create an archive from files, or extract an archive, “pax” offers a range of options and flexibility. By understanding the different use cases and their corresponding commands, you can efficiently work with archive files and perform the desired operations.
