tar
Archive and extract files.
KaliParrotLinuxpassive
pkg: tar
tar bundles files into archives (optionally compressed) — used for packaging loot, backups and transfers.
Syntax
tar {c|x}{z|j}{f} {archive} [files]
Example
tar czf loot.tar.gz /var/www/html
Creates a gzip-compressed archive of the web root for exfil/backup.
Options & flags
What each switch does. Toggle them in the builder below to assemble a command.
Command builder
Tick options (and fill any values) to build a ready-to-copy command.
tar
Usage examples
tar czf loot.tar.gz /var/www/html
Create a gzip archive of a folder.
tar xzf archive.tar.gz -C /tmp
Extract into /tmp.
Advantages
- Ubiquitous archiving
- Compression options (gz/bz2/xz)
- Preserves permissions/timestamps
Disadvantages
- Flag order trips people up
- Large archives are slow
- No built-in encryption
Tags
#archive#transfer
Official docs: GNU tar ↗
Related commands
Frequently asked questions
What is tar used for?
tar bundles files into archives (optionally compressed) — used for packaging loot, backups and transfers.
What is an example tar command?
A common example is: tar czf loot.tar.gz /var/www/html — Creates a gzip-compressed archive of the web root for exfil/backup.
Is tar part of Kali Linux?
Yes. tar ships with Kali Linux (and Parrot OS). If missing, install it with: sudo apt install tar.
What category of security tool is tar?
tar is a Core Linux tool with a passive-risk profile when run against a live target.
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