.ARJ File Extension
ARJ Compressed File Archive
| Developer | ARJ Software |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Compressed Files |
| Format | .ARJ |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an ARJ file?
The ARJ file extension stands for ARJ Compressed File Archive, a format used for compressing and archiving files.
ARJ, an abbreviation for “Archived by Robert Jung,” is a file format that was widely popular during the 1990s for its ability to compress data efficiently.
The format was commonly used for backup purposes, transferring files via email, and minimizing storage space on hard drives.
Despite being less common today, ARJ files still hold relevance in certain niche areas where legacy systems or specific software rely on this format.
More Information.
ARJ was first released in 1990, during a period when the need for efficient data compression was becoming increasingly important.
The initial purpose of ARJ was to offer a more efficient compression tool that could save space on storage media, which were relatively limited and expensive at the time.
It was also designed to facilitate easier data transfer, especially over dial-up connections where bandwidth was a significant constraint.
ARJ quickly gained popularity among DOS users due to its superior compression capabilities. The format was particularly favored for distributing shareware, software, and games, as it allowed developers to bundle large amounts of data into smaller packages.
The widespread adoption of ARJ was also driven by its ability to handle long file names, a feature that was not well-supported by other archiving tools at the time.
Throughout the 1990s, ARJ was considered one of the best compression tools available, particularly in the MS-DOS environment.
As computing environments evolved and new compression formats like ZIP and RAR gained prominence, the use of ARJ gradually declined.
Origin Of This File.
The ARJ file format was created by Robert K. Jung, a software developer who was active in the field of data compression.
Jung developed ARJ in response to the limitations he observed in other archiving tools available at the time. ARJ was designed to provide better compression ratios and greater versatility compared to its competitors, such as ZIP.
Jung’s work resulted in a robust archiving tool that became a staple in the computing community during the early 1990s.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The ARJ file format is a binary format designed to store one or more files in a compressed state. The basic structure of an ARJ file includes a file header, a set of compressed data blocks, and a file footer. Below is a breakdown of its components:
- File Header: The file header contains metadata about the archive, including the number of files, the original file sizes, the compression method used, and other relevant information. The header also includes a checksum that ensures the integrity of the data within the archive.
- Compressed Data Blocks: The actual data within the ARJ archive is stored in compressed blocks. ARJ supports several compression algorithms, allowing users to choose between different levels of compression efficiency and speed. The compressed data blocks are arranged sequentially within the archive.
- File Footer: The file footer marks the end of the archive and may contain additional information, such as comments or an archive signature. The footer ensures that the archive is correctly interpreted by decompression software.
Technical Specifications:
- Compression Algorithms: ARJ supports various compression algorithms, including Huffman coding and LZ77-based compression, which contribute to its efficiency.
- Splitting Archives: ARJ can split large archives into multiple smaller volumes, making it easier to store or transfer large amounts of data.
- Error Recovery: ARJ includes robust error recovery features, allowing for the repair of partially corrupted archives.
- Long File Name Support: Unlike many early archiving tools, ARJ supports long file names, making it more versatile in handling modern file systems.
How to Convert the File?
Converting ARJ files to more contemporary formats like ZIP or RAR can be done using various tools and methods. One common approach is to use a file archiver that supports both ARJ and the target format. Here are the steps:
1. Using a File Archiver:
- Step 1: Download and install a file archiver that supports ARJ files, such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or PeaZip.
- Step 2: Open the ARJ file using the archiver.
- Step 3: Extract the contents of the ARJ file to a directory of your choice.
- Step 4: Re-compress the extracted files into the desired format (e.g., ZIP or RAR) using the same archiver.
2. Command-Line Tools:
- Some command-line tools, such as
unarjfor Unix-like systems, can be used to extract ARJ files. Once extracted, the files can be re-compressed into a different format using other command-line utilities likeziporrar.
3. Online Conversion Tools:
- There are online services available that allow users to upload an ARJ file and download it in a different format. However, this method may not be suitable for sensitive or large files due to privacy and file size limitations.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- High Compression Ratio: ARJ was known for offering superior compression ratios compared to other tools available during its peak years. This made it ideal for saving space on limited storage media.
- Error Recovery: The built-in error recovery features of ARJ made it a reliable choice for archiving important data. Users could recover data from partially corrupted archives, which was a critical feature in the days of unreliable storage media.
- Multi-Volume Archives: The ability to split archives into multiple volumes allowed users to distribute large datasets across several floppy disks, which was a common practice in the 1990s.
- Support for Long File Names: ARJ’s ability to handle long file names made it more adaptable to modern file systems than some of its competitors.
Disadvantages:
- Obsolescence: ARJ has become largely obsolete with the advent of more modern compression formats like ZIP and RAR, which offer similar or better compression ratios and are more widely supported by contemporary software.
- Compatibility Issues: Many modern operating systems and software applications no longer support the ARJ format natively, requiring users to find specialized tools to open or create ARJ archives.
- Limited Support for Modern Features: As a legacy format, ARJ does not support some of the modern features found in newer compression tools, such as advanced encryption and compression algorithms.
How to Open ARJ?
Open In Windows
- WinRAR: WinRAR is a popular tool that supports ARJ files. Users can open and extract ARJ archives directly using this software.
- 7-Zip: 7-Zip is a free, open-source archiver that can open ARJ files. It provides a simple interface for extracting or converting ARJ files.
- PeaZip: PeaZip is another free archiver that supports ARJ files. It offers a range of features for managing compressed archives.
Open In Linux
- unarj: Linux users can install the
unarjcommand-line utility, which is specifically designed to handle ARJ files. This tool allows for the extraction of ARJ archives via terminal commands. - p7zip: The Linux version of 7-Zip, known as p7zip, can also be used to extract ARJ files. It provides both a command-line interface and a GUI front-end for handling archives.
Open In MAC
- The Unarchiver: The Unarchiver is a macOS utility that supports a wide range of file formats, including ARJ. It integrates with the Finder, allowing users to extract ARJ files with a simple double-click.
- Keka: Keka is a free file archiver for macOS that can handle ARJ files. It offers a user-friendly interface for extracting and compressing files.
