The archiver npm package is a streaming interface for archive generation, allowing users to create and manage different types of compressed files programmatically. It supports formats like ZIP and TAR and can be used for tasks such as creating backups, delivering files in a compressed format, or bundling project assets.
Creating ZIP archives
This code demonstrates how to create a ZIP file named 'example.zip' with a single file 'file.txt' included. It sets the compression level to 9 using zlib.
const fs = require('fs');
const archiver = require('archiver');
const output = fs.createWriteStream('example.zip');
const archive = archiver('zip', { zlib: { level: 9 } });
output.on('close', function() {
console.log(`Archive size: ${archive.pointer()} bytes`);
});
archive.pipe(output);
archive.append(fs.createReadStream('file.txt'), { name: 'file.txt' });
archive.finalize();Creating TAR archives
This code snippet shows how to create a TAR file named 'example.tar' with gzip compression, including the file 'file.txt'.
const fs = require('fs');
const archiver = require('archiver');
const output = fs.createWriteStream('example.tar');
const archive = archiver('tar', { gzip: true });
output.on('close', function() {
console.log(`Archive size: ${archive.pointer()} bytes`);
});
archive.pipe(output);
archive.append(fs.createReadStream('file.txt'), { name: 'file.txt' });
archive.finalize();Appending multiple files and directories
This example demonstrates how to append multiple files and directories to a ZIP archive. It includes a single file, a directory, and all JavaScript files in the current directory using a glob pattern.
const fs = require('fs');
const archiver = require('archiver');
const output = fs.createWriteStream('example.zip');
const archive = archiver('zip');
archive.pipe(output);
archive.file('file1.txt', { name: 'file1.txt' });
archive.directory('subdir/', 'new-subdir');
archive.glob('*.js');
archive.finalize();JSZip is a JavaScript library for creating, reading, and editing .zip files. It works in many environments including the browser and Node.js. Compared to archiver, JSZip provides a more comprehensive API for manipulating ZIP files, including reading and editing existing archives, but it may not be as streamlined for simply generating archives.
The tar npm package provides the ability to create and extract .tar files. It is similar to archiver's TAR functionality but is more focused and does not support ZIP files. It is a good choice if you only need to work with TAR files.
Compressing is a node module that supports both tar and zip formats for compression and decompression. It offers a similar feature set to archiver but with a different API design. It might be used as an alternative if the API design aligns better with a developer's needs.
Creates Archives (Zip, Tar) via Node Streams.
npm install archiver --save
You can also use npm install https://github.com/ctalkington/node-archiver/archive/master.tar.gz to test upcoming versions.
Creates an Archiver instance based on the format (zip, tar, etc) passed. Parameters can be passed directly to Archiver constructor for convenience.
Registers an archive format. Format modules are essentially transform streams with a few required methods. They will be further documented once a formal spec is in place.
Inherits Transform Stream methods.
Appends an input source (text string, buffer, or stream) to the instance. When the instance has received, processed, and emitted the input, the entry event is fired.
Replaced #addFile in v0.5.
archive.append('string', { name:'string.txt' });
archive.append(new Buffer('string'), { name:'buffer.txt' });
archive.append(fs.createReadStream('mydir/file.txt'), { name:'stream.txt' });
Appends multiple entries from passed array of src-dest mappings, based on Grunt's "Files Array" format. A lazystream wrapper is used to prevent issues with open file limits.
Globbing patterns and multiple properties are supported through use of the file-utils package, based on Grunt's file utilities. Please note that multiple src files to single dest file (ie concat) is not supported.
The data property can be set (per src-dest mapping) to define data for matched entries.
archive.bulk([
{ src: ['mydir/**'], data: { date: new Date() } },
{ expand: true, cwd: 'mydir', src: ['**'], dest: 'newdir' }
]);
Appends a file given its filepath. Uses a lazystream wrapper to prevent issues with open file limits. When the instance has received, processed, and emitted the file, the entry event is fired.
archive.file('mydir/file.txt', { name:'file.txt' });
Finalizes the instance. You should listen for the end/close/finish of the destination stream to properly detect completion.
Returns the current byte length emitted by archiver. Use this in your end callback to log generated size.
Inherits Transform Stream events.
Fired when the input has been received, processed, and emitted. Passes entry data as first argument.
stringSets the zip comment.
booleanIf true, forces the entry date to UTC. Helps with testing across timezones.
booleanIf true, all entry contents will be archived without compression by default.
objectPassed to node's zlib module to control compression. Options may vary by node version.
string requiredSets the entry name including internal path.
string|DateSets the entry date. This can be any valid date string or instance. Defaults to current time in locale.
booleanIf true, entry contents will be archived without compression.
stringSets the entry comment.
numberSets the entry permissions. (experimental)
numberSets the size (in bytes) of each record in a block, default is 512 (for advanced users only).
numberSets the number of records in a block, default is 20 (for advanced users only).
booleanCompresses the tar archive using gzip, default is false.
objectPassed to node's zlib module to control compression. Options may vary by node version.
string requiredSets the entry name including internal path.
string|DateSets the entry date. This can be any valid date string or instance. Defaults to current time in locale.
numberSets the entry permissions. Defaults to octal 0664.
Concept inspired by Antoine van Wel's node-zipstream.
Tar inspired by isaacs's node-tar.
FAQs
a streaming interface for archive generation
We found that archiver demonstrated a healthy version release cadence and project activity because the last version was released less than a year ago. It has 1 open source maintainer collaborating on the project.
Did you know?
Socket for GitHub automatically highlights issues in each pull request and monitors the health of all your open source dependencies. Discover the contents of your packages and block harmful activity before you install or update your dependencies.
Security News
Node.js will be enforcing stricter semver-major PR policies a month before major releases to enhance stability and ensure reliable release candidates.
Security News
Research
Socket's threat research team has detected five malicious npm packages targeting Roblox developers, deploying malware to steal credentials and personal data.
Security News
vlt introduced its new package manager and a serverless registry this week, innovating in a space where npm has stagnated.