Glossary Entry: Archive File
Quick Definition
Archive files (or just simply "archives") are tightly packed collections of other files. Common formats include zip files and tarballs.
In order to use the files inside an archive, you'll need to use a program to unpack or extract them from it. Since archives are extremely common these days, most operating systems come with the ability to extract zip files already built in.
In order to use the files inside an archive, you'll need to use a program to unpack or extract them from it. Since archives are extremely common these days, most operating systems come with the ability to extract zip files already built in.