How to use the command `zipsplit` (with examples)

zipsplit is a command-line tool that allows you to split a zip file into smaller zip files. This can be useful when you need to distribute large files or when you want to fit the file into smaller storage devices. The zipsplit command provides different options to customize the splitting process, such as splitting by file size and pausing between the creation of each split zipfile.

Use case 1: Split zipfile into pieces that are no larger than a particular size

Code:

zipsplit -n size path/to/archive.zip

Motivation: Splitting a large zip file into smaller pieces can make it easier to distribute or transfer over a network. By specifying the maximum size of each split file with the -n option, you can ensure that the resulting split zipfiles are of manageable sizes.

Explanation:

• zipsplit: The command name.
• -n size: This option specifies the size of each split file. Replace size with the desired size in bytes. For example, -n 1000000 will split the zipfile into pieces of approximately 1 MB each.
• path/to/archive.zip: The path to the zip file you want to split.

Example output:

Splitting archive.zip into files of size 1000000 bytes.
Splitting archive.zip: 10 parts complete.
Splitting archive.zip: 20 parts complete.
Splitting archive.zip: 30 parts complete.
...

Use case 2: [p]ause between the creation of each split zipfile

Code:

zipsplit -p -n size path/to/archive.zip

Motivation: When splitting a large zip file, it may take some time to create each split file. By including the -p option, you can add a pause between the creation of each split zipfile. This can be useful when you have limited system resources or need to perform other tasks during the splitting process.

Explanation:

• zipsplit: The command name.
• -p: This option pauses between the creation of each split zipfile.
• -n size: This option specifies the size of each split file. Replace size with the desired size in bytes.
• path/to/archive.zip: The path to the zip file you want to split.

Example output:

Splitting archive.zip into files of size 1000000 bytes.
Splitting archive.zip: 10 parts complete.
(Pausing for 10 seconds...)
Splitting archive.zip: 20 parts complete.
(Pausing for 10 seconds...)
Splitting archive.zip: 30 parts complete.
...

Use case 3: Output the split zipfiles into the archive directory

Code:

zipsplit -b archive -n size path/to/archive.zip

Motivation: By default, the split zipfiles created by zipsplit are placed in the same directory as the source zip file. However, you may want to organize the split files into a specific directory. Using the -b option, you can specify the output directory for the split zipfiles.

Explanation:

• zipsplit: The command name.
• -b archive: This option specifies the output directory for the split zipfiles. Replace archive with the desired output directory name.
• -n size: This option specifies the size of each split file. Replace size with the desired size in bytes.
• path/to/archive.zip: The path to the zip file you want to split.

Example output:

Splitting archive.zip into files of size 1000000 bytes.
Splitting archive.zip: 10 parts complete.
Splitting archive.zip: 20 parts complete.
Splitting archive.zip: 30 parts complete.
...
Split zipfiles successfully placed in 'archive' directory.

Conclusion:

zipsplit is a versatile command that allows you to split large zip files into smaller pieces for various purposes. Whether you need to distribute files or fit them onto smaller storage devices, zipsplit provides the flexibility to customize the splitting process according to your needs. Experiment with the different options available and leverage the power of zipsplit for efficient file organization and distribution.