What is the lz4 command used for?

The lz4 command is used for fast compression and decompression of files in Linux, offering high compression speed with reasonable compression ratios.

How do I compress a file with lz4?

Use 'lz4 filename' to compress a file, which will create filename.lz4. For custom output names, use 'lz4 input_file output_file.lz4'.

How do I decompress an lz4 file?

Use 'lz4 -d filename.lz4' to decompress, or 'lz4 -d input.lz4 output_file' for custom output names.

lz4

Fast compression and decompression tool for files in Linux

Syntax

lz4 [options] [input_file] [output_file]

Basic Usage

Compress a file

lz4 filename

This creates filename.lz4 in the same directory.

Compress with custom output name

lz4 input_file output_file.lz4

Decompress a file

lz4 -d filename.lz4

Common Options

-d, --decompress: Decompress file
-f, --force: Overwrite output files without prompting
-k, --keep: Keep source files (don't delete)
-v, --verbose: Verbose mode
-q, --quiet: Suppress warnings and real-time statistics
-1 to -9: Compression levels (1=fastest, 9=best)
-t, --test: Test compressed file integrity

Practical Examples

Compress multiple files

for file in *.txt; do lz4 "$file"; done

Compress with high compression level

lz4 -9 large_file.dat

Decompress and keep original

lz4 -d -k compressed_file.lz4

Test compressed file integrity

lz4 -t archive.lz4

Compress directory recursively

find /path/to/dir -type f -exec lz4 {} \;

Best Practices

Use Cases

Fast compression when speed is more important than size
Real-time compression scenarios
Large files that need quick compression
Backup operations where speed matters

Considerations

lz4 prioritizes speed over compression ratio
Use higher compression levels (-9) for better ratios if time allows
Always test compressed files before deleting originals
Consider using -k flag to preserve source files

lz4