Is there a way to predict the size of a gzipped tarball

pinchyfingers · 2008-11-15 20:18:49

I am trying to write a backup script that will create gzipped tarballs that will fit on a CD.

Maybe I am approaching this from the wrong direction, any advice is much appreciated.

cactus · 2008-11-15 20:24:43

There is no easy predictor. If the source data is text, it will compress amazingly well. If it is an already compressed format, like video, you may end up with a larger file than the original.

You can always make the tarball, and then see how big it is..if it is too large to fit on a single CD, maybe consider DVDs, or use a file splitter so your tar can span more than one CD.

Arkane · 2008-11-15 20:27:04

I think gzipping the whole lot without thinking too much and then splitting it is probably the easiest option.

Spider.007 · 2008-11-15 20:37:29

Wouldn't it be easier to use `split`; or replace gzip with a compression algorithm that supports splitting, such as 7z or rar?

pinchyfingers · 2008-11-15 20:46:15

Excellent. Thank you guys. I knew there had to be an eaiser way.

xen · 2008-11-24 20:15:13

http://chxo.com/be2/tar_backup_to_ntfs.html

Someone in IRC pointed me to this (sorry, can't remember who!). Obviously you will want to change the split size from 1M to the size of a CD, or DVD. You can also remove the incremental flag, unless you want it!

Arch Linux

#1 2008-11-15 20:18:49

Is there a way to predict the size of a gzipped tarball

#2 2008-11-15 20:24:43

Re: Is there a way to predict the size of a gzipped tarball

#3 2008-11-15 20:27:04

Re: Is there a way to predict the size of a gzipped tarball

#4 2008-11-15 20:37:29

Re: Is there a way to predict the size of a gzipped tarball

#5 2008-11-15 20:46:15

Re: Is there a way to predict the size of a gzipped tarball

#6 2008-11-24 20:15:13

Re: Is there a way to predict the size of a gzipped tarball

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