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windowsmacosfile-formatcontainer-file

How do I create a container file?

I would like to create a file format for my app like Quake, OO, and MS Office 07 have.

Basically a uncompressed zip folder, or tar file.

I need this to be cross platform (mac and windows).

Can I do something via command prompt and bash?

Solution

  • Have a look at the open source 7Zip compression format. For your specific needs, you can use it in an "Archive" mode, zero compression but very fast.

    It provides a powerful SDK, LZMA, from the site:

    "LZMA is the default and general compression method of 7z format in the 7-Zip program. LZMA provides a high compression ratio and very fast decompression, so it is very suitable for embedded applications. For example, it can be used for ROM (firmware) compressing.

    The LZMA SDK provides the documentation, samples, header files, libraries, and tools you need to develop applications that use LZMA compression."