If you have ever encountered a RAR file in your Linux system, you may have noticed that the default file archiver application may not be able to extract the contents of the file. RAR is a proprietary archive file format and requires additional software to extract its contents. In this article, we will explore how to extract RAR files in Linux using the command line interface.
Understanding the Command Line Interface (CLI)
Before diving into how to extract RAR files in Linux, let’s briefly discuss the command line interface (CLI). The CLI is a text-based user interface used in operating systems to interact with the system via commands typed into a terminal window. The CLI provides a powerful and efficient way to perform tasks on a system, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or complex operations.
If you are new to the command line interface or need a refresher, you may find this helpful article.
What is an Operating System?
An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. An operating system is the primary software that runs on a computer, allowing users to interact with the computer and other software installed on it.
If you are interested in learning more about operating systems, check out this article.
Installing the UnRAR Package
To extract RAR files in Linux, we need to install the unrar package, which is a free and open-source software application that can extract RAR archive files. The unrar package is not included in most Linux distributions by default, so we need to install it manually.
To install the unrar package on Ubuntu or Debian-based systems, open a terminal window and enter the following command:
sudo apt-get install unrarFor Fedora and other Red Hat-based systems, enter the following command:
sudo dnf install unrarOnce the installation is complete, we can extract RAR files using the unrar command.
Extracting RAR Files in Linux
To extract a RAR file in Linux using the unrar command, open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the RAR file is located. For example, if the RAR file is located in the Downloads directory, enter the following command to navigate to the directory:
cd DownloadsOnce you are in the directory containing the RAR file, use the unrar command with the x option followed by the name of the RAR file to extract its contents. For example, to extract the contents of a file named example.rar, enter the following command:
unrar x example.rarThe x option tells unrar to extract the contents of the archive to the current directory. If you want to extract the contents of the archive to a specific directory, use the unrar command with the e option followed by the name of the RAR file and the path to the directory where you want to extract the contents. For example, to extract the contents of a file named example.rar to a directory named example, enter the following command:
unrar e example.rar example/In this command, the e option tells unrar to extract the contents of the archive, and example/ specifies the directory where the contents should be extracted.
Alternatives
If you’re a Linux user, you may be familiar with the popular RAR compression format for archiving files. Extracting RAR files in Linux is a simple process that can be done with the right tools. However, while RAR is a popular choice for compression, it’s important to remember that there are other extract utilities available on Linux that may suit your needs better.
Formats like 7z, tar.bz2, and tar.gz each have unique benefits and drawbacks and exploring these options can help you make informed decisions about managing your files. By learning about the other extract utilities available on Linux, you can expand your knowledge and find the right tool for the job. So why try them and see how they can help you streamline your workflow?
Conclusion
The unrar command line utility can easily extract RAR files in Linux. By installing the unrar package and learning the basic commands to navigate to the RAR file’s directory, you can easily extract the contents of a RAR archive in Linux.
The command line interface can be intimidating for beginners but provides a powerful toolset for working with files and performing system operations efficiently. If you are new to the command line interface, take some time to practice with basic commands to become comfortable with the environment.
In conclusion, Linux provides robust tools and utilities for managing files and archives, including extracting RAR files using the unrar command. With some practice and patience, you can easily extract RAR files in Linux and accomplish various other tasks using the command line interface.
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