Convert TAR Files to BMP in Java

What is TAR file format?

A TAR (tape archive) file serves as a versatile archive format, primarily utilized on Unix and Linux systems, housing multiple files alongside their associated metadata. This metadata comprises essential information like filenames, permissions, ownership details, file sizes, and other file system requirements. TAR files have gained widespread adoption as a means of storing and transferring files, particularly over the internet.

Creating a TAR file involves amalgamating multiple files into a single archive and subsequently compressing it using compression programs like gzip or bzip2. This compression process significantly reduces the file size, facilitating easier storage and transfer. Extracting files from a TAR archive is accomplished using the TAR program, enabling the recreation of the original files.

TAR files have become a fundamental part of the Linux and Unix ecosystem and are also supported by other operating systems that recognize the TAR format. Their usage extends beyond file management, as software developers frequently employ TAR files to package and distribute their software applications. By bundling all the necessary files and metadata, TAR files streamline the distribution process, ensuring that all components are packaged together for easy installation.

Moreover, TAR files find their place in the realm of data backup. Backup software often employs TAR files to store system backups, capturing all relevant files and metadata required to restore a system to a previous state. The TAR format provides a reliable and efficient method for creating comprehensive backups, safeguarding critical data against loss or corruption.

What is BMP file format?

BMP (or Bitmap) is a file format used to store digital images, especially on Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems. It is used to store bitmap digital images, both monochrome (1 bit) and color (4, 8, 16, 24, and 32 bit). The BMP file format is widely used in the Windows world, where it is supported by virtually all the existing graphics applications. The BMP format is a device-independent bitmap graphics format that allows a flexible set of information to accompany the image data. A BMP file includes both encoded image data as well as information about the image, such as its size, resolution and color depth.

The BMP format supports various color depths. The BMP file compression method supports both lossless (uncompressed) and lossy (compressed) formats. Lossless compression saves space without sacrificing quality, while lossy compression sacrifices quality in order to save space.

BMP files are widely used in both professional and consumer applications. Web designers often use them for web page graphics to make their pages look better. They are also used for printing digital photos and for creating computer icons.