How to use the command unzipsfx (with examples)

The unzipsfx command is used to create a self-extracting compressed binary file by prepending self-extracting stubs on a zip file. This allows you to create binary files that can extract themselves without requiring any additional software.

Use case 1: Create a self-extracting binary file of a zip archive

Code:

cat unzipsfx path/to/archive.zip > filename && chmod 755 filename

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to distribute a compressed archive to users who may not have access to a zip extraction tool. By creating a self-extracting binary file, the users can easily extract the contents of the archive without the need for any additional software.

Explanation: The cat command is used to concatenate the unzipsfx executable with the path/to/archive.zip file. The output is redirected to the filename file. The chmod command is then used to set the file permissions to 755, allowing the file to be executed.

Example output: The self-extracting binary file filename is created, which can be executed to extract the contents of the path/to/archive.zip file.

Use case 2: Extract a self-extracting binary in the current directory

Code:

./path/to/binary

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you have a self-extracting binary file and you want to extract its contents. Rather than using a separate extraction tool, you can simply execute the binary file to extract its contents directly.

Explanation: The ./ prefix is used to specify the current directory as the location of the self-extracting binary file. This allows the file to be executed.

Example output: The contents of the self-extracting binary are extracted in the current directory.

Use case 3: Test a self-extracting binary for errors

Code:

./path/to/binary -t

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to verify that the self-extracting binary file is not corrupted and can be successfully executed. By testing the binary for errors, you can ensure that the file is intact and can be safely used for extraction.

Explanation: The -t argument is passed to the self-extracting binary file. This instructs the binary to test itself for errors and provides feedback on the integrity of the file.

Example output: The self-extracting binary file is tested for errors and output is generated indicating whether the file is valid or contains any errors.

Use case 4: Print content of a file in the self-extracting binary without extraction

Code:

./path/to/binary -c path/to/filename

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to view the content of a specific file within the self-extracting binary without actually extracting the entire contents of the binary. This allows you to quickly access the content of a specific file without the need for extraction.

Explanation: The -c argument is passed to the self-extracting binary file, followed by the path/to/filename that specifies the file within the binary that you want to print. This prints the content of the file without extracting it.

Example output: The content of the specified file within the self-extracting binary is printed on the console.

Use case 5: Print comments on zip archive in the self-extracting binary

Code:

./path/to/binary -z

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to view any comments that have been added to the zip archive within the self-extracting binary. Comments can provide additional information or instructions about the contents of the archive.

Explanation: The -z argument is passed to the self-extracting binary file. This instructs the binary to print any comments that have been added to the zip archive within the binary.

Example output: Any comments added to the zip archive within the self-extracting binary are printed on the console.

Conclusion

The unzipsfx command provides a useful way to create self-extracting binary files from zip archives. By understanding the various use cases and their associated commands, you can take advantage of this functionality to distribute compressed archives that can be easily extracted without the need for any additional software.