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In this lesson, we’ll cover how to archive files in Linux using tar, compress those archives, and prepare them for remote backups. This workflow is essential for system administrators and DevOps engineers who need reliable, space-efficient backups. Typical backup workflow:
  1. Archive: Pack multiple files and directories into one file (e.g., backup.tar).
  2. Compress: Shrink the archive size (e.g., backup.tar.gz).
  3. Transfer: Copy the compressed archive to a remote server, shared drive, or cloud storage.
The image illustrates a process for archiving, compressing, and backing up files, showing steps from creating a "backup.tar" archive to compressing it into "backup.tar.gz" and then backing it up.
We’ll focus first on archiving with tar, then move on to compression and remote backups.

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Why Use tar?

Tar (tape archive) was originally designed for magnetic tapes but remains the de facto tool for:
  • Bundling multiple files or directories into a single tarball (.tar).
  • Preserving file metadata: permissions, timestamps, and ownership.

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Common tar Commands at a Glance

ActionLong OptionShort OptionExample
List—list-ttar -tf archive.tar
Create—create-ctar -cf archive.tar file1
Append—append-rtar -rf archive.tar file2
Extract—extract-xtar -xf archive.tar
Directory—directory-Ctar -xf archive.tar -C /tmp

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Listing Contents of an Existing Archive

To preview what’s inside archive.tar: 
tar --list --file archive.tar    # Long form
tar -tf archive.tar              # Short form
This displays: 
file1
file2
file3
Always put the --file (or -f) option at the end of your option list, immediately followed by the archive name.

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Creating and Appending to a Tarball

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Create a New Archive

# Long form
tar --create --file archive.tar file1

# Short form
tar -cf archive.tar file1

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Append Files or Directories

# Add a single file
tar --append --file archive.tar file2
# Short form
tar -rf archive.tar file2

# Add an entire directory
tar --create --file archive.tar pictures/
# Short form
tar -cf archive.tar pictures/
  • Using a relative path like pictures/ stores entries as pictures/....
  • An absolute path (/home/aaron/pictures/) preserves the full directory structure inside the archive.

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Extracting an Archive

Always list contents before extracting: 
tar --list --file archive.tar
tar -tf archive.tar
Example output: 
Pictures/
Pictures/family_dog.jpg

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Extract into Current Directory

tar --extract --file archive.tar
# or
tar -xf archive.tar
If you’re in /home/aaron/work, the files will unpack into /home/aaron/work/Pictures/.

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Extract to a Specific Directory

tar --extract --file archive.tar --directory /tmp
# or
tar -xf archive.tar -C /tmp

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Preserving Ownership and Permissions

By default, tar preserves permissions and ownership metadata in the archive. However, regular users cannot restore files to other owners. To fully retain all metadata, run extraction as root: 
sudo tar -xf archive.tar -C /desired/path
Extracting as root (sudo) may overwrite critical system files if the archive contains absolute paths. Always verify archive contents before restoring.

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References

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