Create TAR Archives in C#

Introduction

TAR (Tape Archive) is a widely used format in Unix-like systems for storing multiple files in a single archive. This guide explains how to create TAR files in C# using Aspose.ZIP for .NET, a powerful tool for handling TAR archives efficiently.

Why Use TAR?

  • Efficiently store and package files in a single archive.
  • Commonly used in Linux and Unix systems.
  • Supports additional compression formats like GZ and XZ.

Table of Contents

  1. Setting Up TAR File Processing in C#
  2. Steps to Create TAR Files
  3. Saving TAR Archives
  4. Handling Multiple Files in TAR Archives
  5. Getting a Free API License
  6. Conclusion and Additional Resources

1. Setting Up TAR File Processing in C#

To create TAR archives programmatically, we use Aspose.ZIP for .NET. This library provides:

  • Automated TAR archive creation.
  • Support for TAR, ZIP, GZ, and other compression formats.
  • Efficient handling of large files.

Installation

Install via NuGet:

PM> Install-Package Aspose.Zip

Alternatively, download the DLL from the Aspose Downloads Page.


2. Steps to Create TAR Files

Follow these steps to create a TAR archive programmatically:

  1. Instantiate the TAR Archive: Use the TarArchive class.
  2. Add Files to the Archive: Include files and directories in the TAR using CreateEntry().
  3. Save the TAR File: Use the Save() method to save the archive.

Code Example

// Create a new TAR archive
using (TarArchive archive = new TarArchive())
{
    // Add files to the TAR archive
    archive.CreateEntry("file1.txt", "input/file1.txt");
    archive.CreateEntry("image.png", "input/image.png");

    // Save the TAR file
    archive.Save("output.tar");
}

This method bundles multiple files into a single TAR archive.


3. Saving TAR Archives

Once files are added, save the TAR archive:

archive.Save("final.tar");

This ensures a compressed and structured archive.


4. Handling Multiple Files in TAR Archives

To add multiple files dynamically, loop through a folder:

string[] files = Directory.GetFiles("input_folder");
using (TarArchive archive = new TarArchive())
{
    foreach (string file in files)
    {
        archive.CreateEntry(Path.GetFileName(file), file);
    }
    archive.Save("batch_archive.tar");
}

This method automates bulk TAR file creation.


5. Getting a Free API License

To unlock full Aspose.ZIP features, request a free temporary license.

For documentation, visit the Aspose.ZIP Guide or ask queries on the Aspose forum.


6. Conclusion and Additional Resources

Summary

This guide covered:

How to create TAR files in C#
Adding multiple files to TAR archives
Saving TAR archives efficiently
Handling bulk TAR file creation


With Aspose.ZIP for .NET, you can efficiently create, extract, and manage TAR archives in your applications. Start automating TAR file processing today!