How to Use the Command 'zipsplit' (with examples)

Zipsplit is a command-line utility that comes in handy when dealing with large Zip archives. This tool allows users to split a large Zip file into several smaller ones, which can be particularly useful in cases where size constraints are an issue, such as file transfer over media with limited storage capacity or emailing large files as attachments. The zipsplit command offers various options to control the splitting process, tailoring the output to specific needs and constraints.

Use Case 1: Split Zip Archive into Parts That Are No Larger than 36000 Bytes

Code:

zipsplit path/to/archive.zip

Motivation:

In situations where a volume or medium can only accommodate files up to a certain size, having a large Zip archive can be inconvenient or even unusable. With zipsplit, users can break these large files down into more manageable chunks, ensuring that the data can be stored or transferred as needed. This specific example considers a limit of 36000 bytes, a useful size for storage on older devices or systems with strict attachment size limits.

Explanation:

• zipsplit is the command that initiates the process of dividing the archive.
• path/to/archive.zip specifies the location of the original Zip archive that needs to be split. This path must be correctly specified for the utility to find and process the file.

Example Output:

splitting: archive.zip (42 files)
creating: archive01.zip
creating: archive02.zip
creating: archive03.zip

In this output, the original Zip archive has been successfully broken into multiple segments, each within the default limit defined by zipsplit, effectively managing the size of each resulting archive part.

Use Case 2: Use a Given [n]umber of Bytes as the Part Limit

Code:

zipsplit -n size path/to/archive.zip

Motivation:

When a specific size threshold is established as a part limit due to storage or transmission constraints, it’s critical to ensure that no part exceeds this preset size. This scenario is common when multiple systems or different digital platforms have varying file size requirements. By specifying a custom size, users ensure compliance with these different standards or system restrictions, mitigating errors related to file size.

Explanation:

• zipsplit is the main command.
• -n size is an option setting the maximum size for each part. It enables the user to define the number of bytes each resulting Zip file part should not exceed.
• path/to/archive.zip is the path to the input Zip file, the archive that needs to be split according to the specified part size limit.

Example Output:

splitting: archive.zip (42 files)
creating: archive001.zip
creating: archive002.zip
creating: archive003.zip

The example output reflects the division of the original archive into multiple parts, each adhering to the specified size constraint, ensuring they are fit for the user’s particular application.

Use Case 3: [p]ause Between the Creation of Each Part

Code:

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

Motivation:

In certain computational environments, there’s a need to control resource allocation or ensure intermediate verification before proceeding to subsequent steps due to constraints like CPU load, memory usage, or manual intervention. Choosing to pause between the creation of individual parts can cater to such scenarios, providing a necessary break to verify the completion of each segment before continuing.

Explanation:

• zipsplit is the command used to start splitting the archive.
• -p pauses the operation between the creation of each part, facilitating real-time checks or interventions.
• -n size sets the limit for each resulting file part’s size in bytes.
• path/to/archive.zip specifies the path of the Zip file to be split.

Example Output:

splitting: archive.zip (42 files)
creating: archive001.zip
Press RETURN to continue...
creating: archive002.zip
Press RETURN to continue...
creating: archive003.zip

With this output, the user is notified to manually continue after each segment is created, allowing checks or operations to occur before moving onto the next part.

Use Case 4: Output the Smaller Zip Archives into a Given Directory

Code:

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

Motivation:

When managing large amounts of data split into several smaller files, having a clutter-free storage organization strategy is essential. By designating an output directory for the resulting archive parts, users can maintain orderliness and streamline data management, making the archive components easier to locate, access, and use. This structured approach helps prevent confusion and accidental file overwrites, which are common in less organized environments.

Explanation:

• zipsplit executes the archive splitting process.
• -b path/to/output_directory specifies the directory where the newly created parts will be saved. This argument ensures that all the parts are consolidated in a specified location.
• -n size dictates the size of each resulting Zip file part, ensuring it doesn’t exceed the set limit in bytes.
• path/to/archive.zip is the path to the archive to be split.

Example Output:

splitting: archive.zip (42 files)
creating: /path/to/output_directory/archive001.zip
creating: /path/to/output_directory/archive002.zip
creating: /path/to/output_directory/archive003.zip

The output demonstrates that each archive segment is saved in the predefined directory, thereby facilitating a more organized workflow and easy accessibility for future operations.

Conclusion:

The zipsplit command is a versatile and essential tool in the management of large Zip archives. By leveraging its options, users can effectively handle file size limitations, comply with varying digital platform constraints, and organize resulting file parts in a user-defined manner. Whether the goal is to meet storage space restrictions or streamline archive management, zipsplit provides a robust solution tailored to a variety of needs.