Node.js Zip Libraries Comparison
archiver vs jszip vs adm-zip vs zip-a-folder vs node-zip vs zip-local
Search packages..
1 Year
archiverjszipadm-zipzip-a-foldernode-zipzip-localSimilar Packages:
What's Node.js Zip Libraries?

These libraries provide functionality for creating, reading, and manipulating ZIP files in Node.js applications. They allow developers to easily compress files and directories into ZIP format, extract files from ZIP archives, and manage the contents of ZIP files programmatically. Each library has its own strengths and use cases, catering to different needs in terms of performance, ease of use, and features.

NPM Package Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
archiver10,139,1042,83343.1 kB1499 months agoMIT
jszip9,077,0729,836762 kB419-(MIT OR GPL-3.0-or-later)
adm-zip5,707,7762,064121 kB1393 months agoMIT
zip-a-folder196,72271107 kB0a month agoMIT
node-zip85,874217-2010 years ago-
zip-local22,46212057.1 kB13-
Feature Comparison: archiver vs jszip vs adm-zip vs zip-a-folder vs node-zip vs zip-local

Ease of Use

  • archiver:

    archiver provides a more complex API but offers extensive documentation and examples, making it accessible for developers willing to invest time in learning its features. It supports various formats beyond ZIP, enhancing its usability.

  • jszip:

    jszip is user-friendly and offers a clear API for creating and manipulating ZIP files. It is particularly beneficial for developers familiar with JavaScript, as it uses familiar constructs and patterns.

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip is designed for simplicity, making it easy for developers to quickly read and write ZIP files with minimal setup. Its straightforward API allows for rapid implementation without deep knowledge of ZIP file structures.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder is extremely user-friendly, allowing developers to zip entire folders with a single function call. It abstracts away the complexities of file handling, making it ideal for quick implementations.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip is lightweight and easy to use, focusing on basic functionalities without unnecessary complexity. It is suitable for quick tasks where ease of implementation is a priority.

  • zip-local:

    zip-local is designed for straightforward usage, enabling developers to zip and unzip files with simple commands. Its focus on local file operations makes it intuitive for basic tasks.

Performance

  • archiver:

    archiver excels in performance, especially with large files and streaming data. It uses a streaming approach that minimizes memory usage, making it suitable for applications that need to handle large amounts of data efficiently.

  • jszip:

    jszip performs well for moderate-sized files but may experience slower performance with very large files due to its in-memory operations. It is best suited for applications where file size is manageable.

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip is efficient for small to medium-sized ZIP files but may not perform optimally with very large files due to its in-memory processing approach. It is best used for tasks that do not require handling massive datasets.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder is optimized for zipping folders quickly, making it efficient for directory structures. Its performance is generally good for typical use cases involving folder compression.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip is lightweight and performs adequately for basic tasks, but it may not be the best choice for performance-critical applications that require handling large ZIP files.

  • zip-local:

    zip-local is designed for local operations and performs well for basic zipping tasks. However, it may not be optimized for handling very large files or complex directory structures.

Streaming Support

  • archiver:

    archiver provides robust streaming support, allowing developers to create ZIP files on-the-fly. This is particularly useful for applications that need to generate ZIP files from data streams, such as web applications serving downloads.

  • jszip:

    jszip does not offer streaming capabilities, focusing instead on in-memory operations. This makes it less suitable for large files that would benefit from a streaming approach.

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip does not support streaming, as it processes files in memory. This can lead to high memory consumption when dealing with large files or multiple files at once.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder does not support streaming, as it is designed for straightforward folder zipping. It is best for smaller projects where streaming is not a concern.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip lacks streaming support, which can limit its effectiveness for applications that require efficient handling of large datasets or real-time file processing.

  • zip-local:

    zip-local does not provide streaming capabilities, focusing instead on local file operations. It is suitable for simple use cases but may not handle large files efficiently.

File Format Support

  • archiver:

    archiver supports multiple formats, including ZIP, TAR, and GZIP, making it a versatile choice for applications that require various compression formats. This flexibility allows developers to choose the best format for their needs.

  • jszip:

    jszip is dedicated to the ZIP format, providing extensive capabilities for creating and manipulating ZIP files. It does not support other formats, which may limit its use in applications requiring diverse file handling.

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip primarily focuses on ZIP file format, providing comprehensive support for reading and writing ZIP files. It does not extend to other compression formats, limiting its versatility.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder is specifically designed for zipping folders into the ZIP format, making it easy to compress directory structures without additional format support.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip is focused on ZIP file creation and extraction, providing basic support for the ZIP format without extending to other compression types. It is suitable for simple ZIP file tasks.

  • zip-local:

    zip-local is tailored for the ZIP format, providing basic functionality for zipping and unzipping files. It does not support other compression formats.

Use Cases

  • archiver:

    archiver is well-suited for applications that need to generate ZIP files dynamically, such as web applications that serve downloadable content or need to archive data on-the-fly.

  • jszip:

    jszip is perfect for web applications that require ZIP file manipulation in the browser, allowing for client-side file handling and compression without server interaction.

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip is ideal for applications that require simple ZIP file manipulation, such as file uploads or downloads, where ease of use and quick implementation are priorities.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder is specifically designed for zipping entire folders, making it ideal for applications that need to package directory structures quickly and easily.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip is best for lightweight applications that need basic ZIP file creation and extraction without extensive features or overhead.

  • zip-local:

    zip-local is suitable for local applications that require basic ZIP functionality, such as desktop utilities for file management.

How to Choose: archiver vs jszip vs adm-zip vs zip-a-folder vs node-zip vs zip-local
  • archiver:

    Select archiver if you require advanced features such as streaming support and the ability to create ZIP files on-the-fly. It is ideal for applications that need to handle large files or directories efficiently.

  • jszip:

    Opt for jszip if you need a pure JavaScript solution that works in both Node.js and the browser. It is great for applications that require ZIP file manipulation in client-side code or need compatibility across environments.

  • adm-zip:

    Choose adm-zip if you need a straightforward and easy-to-use library for basic ZIP file operations. It is suitable for simple tasks like reading and writing ZIP files without complex features.

  • zip-a-folder:

    Choose zip-a-folder if you specifically need to zip entire folders easily. This library simplifies the process of zipping directories without requiring extensive configuration or setup.

  • node-zip:

    Use node-zip if you want a lightweight library for basic ZIP file creation and extraction. It is simple and effective for quick tasks without the overhead of more complex libraries.

  • zip-local:

    Select zip-local for local file zipping and unzipping operations in a straightforward manner. It is designed for ease of use and is suitable for applications that need basic ZIP functionality.

Similar Npm Packages to archiver

archiver is a powerful npm package designed for creating ZIP and TAR archives in Node.js applications. It provides a simple and efficient API for compressing files and directories, making it a popular choice for developers who need to bundle files together for download or storage. With support for various compression formats and the ability to stream data, archiver is versatile and suitable for a wide range of use cases.

While archiver is a robust solution for file archiving, there are other alternatives available that may fit different needs:

  • tar is a widely used package for working with TAR archives in Node.js. It allows users to create and extract TAR files easily. tar is particularly useful for developers who specifically need to handle TAR files without the additional overhead of ZIP compression. If your application primarily deals with TAR archives, this package offers a straightforward and efficient way to manage them.
  • zip-a-folder is a simple and easy-to-use package for zipping entire folders in Node.js applications. It abstracts the complexities of file handling and compression, allowing developers to quickly zip directories with minimal configuration. If you are looking for a lightweight solution specifically for zipping folders without the need for advanced features, zip-a-folder is a great option.

To explore how archiver, tar, and zip-a-folder compare, check out the following link: Comparing archiver vs tar vs zip-a-folder.

Similar Npm Packages to jszip

jszip is a popular JavaScript library used for creating, reading, and editing ZIP files in web applications. It provides a simple and efficient API to handle ZIP file operations, making it a go-to choice for developers who need to manipulate compressed files in the browser or Node.js environments. With jszip, you can easily generate ZIP files on the fly, read existing ZIP files, and extract their contents, all while maintaining a user-friendly experience.

While jszip is a powerful tool for ZIP file manipulation, there are several alternatives available in the npm ecosystem that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives:

  • adm-zip is a simple and easy-to-use library for handling ZIP files in Node.js. It allows you to create, read, and extract ZIP files with minimal setup. adm-zip is particularly useful for server-side applications where you need to manipulate ZIP files without the overhead of a more complex library. Its straightforward API makes it a great choice for quick ZIP file operations without additional dependencies.

  • archiver is a powerful library for creating ZIP and TAR archives in Node.js. It provides a comprehensive set of features for building and streaming archives, making it suitable for applications that require more advanced archiving capabilities. archiver supports various compression methods and allows you to customize the output format, making it a versatile option for developers who need to create complex ZIP files or integrate archiving into their workflows.

  • zip-local is a lightweight library for creating and extracting ZIP files in Node.js and the browser. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use, providing a minimalistic API for basic ZIP file operations. If you are looking for a straightforward solution for zipping and unzipping files without the need for extensive features, zip-local is a solid choice.

To see how jszip compares with adm-zip, archiver, and zip-local, check out the comparison: Comparing adm-zip vs archiver vs jszip vs zip-local.

Similar Npm Packages to adm-zip

adm-zip is a popular npm package for handling ZIP files in Node.js applications. It provides a simple and intuitive API for creating, reading, and modifying ZIP files, making it a go-to choice for developers who need to work with compressed files. With features like adding files, extracting content, and managing file metadata, adm-zip is a versatile tool for file manipulation.

While adm-zip is a solid choice, there are several alternatives available in the npm ecosystem that also provide ZIP file handling capabilities. Here are a few notable options:

  • jszip is a widely-used library for creating and reading ZIP files in JavaScript. It works both in the browser and in Node.js, making it a flexible option for developers who need to handle ZIP files in different environments. jszip supports a wide range of features, including compression options and streaming, which makes it suitable for more complex use cases. If you need a library that can handle ZIP files in both client-side and server-side applications, jszip is an excellent choice.

  • node-zip is another library for creating and reading ZIP files in Node.js. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, providing basic functionality for ZIP file manipulation. While it may not offer as many features as adm-zip or jszip, node-zip can be a good option for simpler use cases where a minimalistic approach is preferred.

  • zip-stream is a streaming ZIP file generator for Node.js. It allows you to create ZIP files in a memory-efficient manner by streaming data instead of loading everything into memory at once. This makes zip-stream particularly useful for handling large files or when working in environments with limited memory. If your application requires efficient ZIP file creation without the overhead of loading entire files into memory, zip-stream is a great option.

To compare these packages, check out the following link: Comparing adm-zip vs jszip vs node-zip vs zip-stream.

Similar Npm Packages to zip-a-folder

zip-a-folder is an npm package that allows developers to easily zip entire folders in Node.js applications. It provides a simple and straightforward API to compress files and directories into a zip archive, making it a useful tool for file management and distribution tasks. While zip-a-folder is a great option for zipping folders, there are several alternatives available in the npm ecosystem. Here are a few notable ones:

  • adm-zip is a popular library for creating and reading zip files in Node.js. It offers a comprehensive set of features for managing zip archives, including the ability to add, delete, and extract files. adm-zip is known for its ease of use and performance, making it a solid choice for developers looking to handle zip files without much overhead. If you need more control over the contents of the zip file or require additional functionalities, adm-zip is a great alternative.

  • archiver is another powerful library for creating zip files and other archive formats in Node.js. It supports streaming and can handle large files efficiently, making it suitable for applications that require high performance. archiver provides a flexible API that allows developers to customize the compression process and add various file types to the archive. If you are looking for a robust solution for archiving files with advanced features, archiver is worth considering.

  • node-zip is a simple library for creating zip files in Node.js. It provides a straightforward API for zipping files and directories, making it easy to integrate into applications. While it may not have as many features as some of the other libraries, its simplicity makes it a good choice for basic zipping tasks.

  • yazl is a lightweight library for creating zip files in Node.js. It focuses on performance and efficiency, allowing developers to create zip archives quickly. yazl is particularly useful for applications that need to generate zip files on-the-fly, as it supports streaming and can handle large datasets without consuming excessive memory.

  • zip-dir is a straightforward utility for zipping directories in Node.js. It provides a simple API to compress entire directories into zip files, making it an excellent choice for developers who need a quick and easy solution for zipping folders. If your primary requirement is to zip directories without additional complexities, zip-dir is a solid option.

To compare these packages, check out the following link: Comparing adm-zip vs archiver vs node-zip vs yazl vs zip-a-folder vs zip-dir.

Similar Npm Packages to node-zip

node-zip is a JavaScript library for creating and manipulating ZIP files in Node.js applications. It provides an easy-to-use API for compressing files and directories, making it a popular choice for developers who need to handle ZIP file creation and extraction. While node-zip is a solid option for working with ZIP files, there are several alternatives available that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives:

  • adm-zip is a widely-used library for ZIP file manipulation in Node.js. It allows for easy creation, reading, and extraction of ZIP files. With a straightforward API, adm-zip is suitable for both simple and complex ZIP file operations. It supports adding files and folders, reading file contents, and extracting files, making it a versatile choice for developers looking for a comprehensive ZIP handling solution.
  • yazl is another library focused on creating ZIP files in Node.js. It is designed to be lightweight and efficient, providing a simple API for adding files to a ZIP archive. yazl is particularly useful for applications that require fast ZIP file creation without the overhead of additional features. If your primary need is to generate ZIP files quickly and efficiently, yazl is a great option.
  • zip-a-folder is a library specifically designed for zipping entire directories in Node.js. It simplifies the process of compressing folders into ZIP files with minimal configuration. If your use case involves zipping folders rather than individual files, zip-a-folder provides a straightforward solution that focuses on this specific task.
  • zip-lib is a flexible library for creating and manipulating ZIP files in Node.js. It offers a more extensive set of features, including support for streaming, password protection, and more. zip-lib is ideal for developers who need advanced functionalities and customization options when working with ZIP files.

To compare these packages, visit: Comparing adm-zip vs node-zip vs yazl vs zip-a-folder vs zip-lib.

Similar Npm Packages to zip-local

zip-local is a Node.js package that provides a simple and efficient way to create and manipulate ZIP files. It allows developers to easily compress files and directories into ZIP format, making it a useful tool for applications that require file archiving or distribution. While zip-local offers a straightforward approach to ZIP file handling, there are several alternatives in the Node.js ecosystem that provide similar functionality. Here are a few alternatives:

  • adm-zip is a popular library for reading and writing ZIP files in Node.js. It offers a simple API for creating, extracting, and modifying ZIP archives. adm-zip is particularly useful for applications that need to handle ZIP files without requiring a lot of setup or configuration. Its ease of use and comprehensive features make it a great choice for developers looking for a reliable ZIP handling solution.
  • archiver is another powerful library for creating ZIP and TAR archives in Node.js. It provides a streaming interface, which makes it suitable for handling large files and directories efficiently. archiver is ideal for applications that need to generate ZIP files on-the-fly, as it allows for progressive writing of data to the archive. If your application requires more control over the archiving process or needs to handle larger datasets, archiver is a solid option.
  • jszip is a versatile library for creating and reading ZIP files in both Node.js and the browser. It offers a rich set of features, including support for various compression methods and the ability to manipulate ZIP files in memory. jszip is particularly useful for web applications that need to generate or process ZIP files on the client side, making it a great choice for projects that require cross-platform compatibility.
  • node-zip is a simple library for creating ZIP files in Node.js. It provides a straightforward API for compressing files and directories, making it easy to use for basic ZIP file creation tasks. While it may not have as many features as some of the other libraries, its simplicity makes it a good choice for developers who need a lightweight solution for ZIP file handling.
  • zip-a-folder is a specialized library for zipping entire directories in Node.js. It provides a simple API for compressing folders into ZIP files, making it particularly useful for applications that need to archive directories quickly and easily. If your primary goal is to zip folders without dealing with individual files, zip-a-folder is a convenient option.

To compare these packages, check out the following link: Comparing adm-zip vs archiver vs jszip vs node-zip vs zip-a-folder vs zip-local.

README for archiver

Archiver

A streaming interface for archive generation

Visit the API documentation for a list of all methods available.

Install

npm install archiver --save

Quick Start

// require modules
const fs = require('fs');
const archiver = require('archiver');

// create a file to stream archive data to.
const output = fs.createWriteStream(__dirname + '/example.zip');
const archive = archiver('zip', {
  zlib: { level: 9 } // Sets the compression level.
});

// listen for all archive data to be written
// 'close' event is fired only when a file descriptor is involved
output.on('close', function() {
  console.log(archive.pointer() + ' total bytes');
  console.log('archiver has been finalized and the output file descriptor has closed.');
});

// This event is fired when the data source is drained no matter what was the data source.
// It is not part of this library but rather from the NodeJS Stream API.
// @see: https://nodejs.org/api/stream.html#stream_event_end
output.on('end', function() {
  console.log('Data has been drained');
});

// good practice to catch warnings (ie stat failures and other non-blocking errors)
archive.on('warning', function(err) {
  if (err.code === 'ENOENT') {
    // log warning
  } else {
    // throw error
    throw err;
  }
});

// good practice to catch this error explicitly
archive.on('error', function(err) {
  throw err;
});

// pipe archive data to the file
archive.pipe(output);

// append a file from stream
const file1 = __dirname + '/file1.txt';
archive.append(fs.createReadStream(file1), { name: 'file1.txt' });

// append a file from string
archive.append('string cheese!', { name: 'file2.txt' });

// append a file from buffer
const buffer3 = Buffer.from('buff it!');
archive.append(buffer3, { name: 'file3.txt' });

// append a file
archive.file('file1.txt', { name: 'file4.txt' });

// append files from a sub-directory and naming it `new-subdir` within the archive
archive.directory('subdir/', 'new-subdir');

// append files from a sub-directory, putting its contents at the root of archive
archive.directory('subdir/', false);

// append files from a glob pattern
archive.glob('file*.txt', {cwd:__dirname});

// finalize the archive (ie we are done appending files but streams have to finish yet)
// 'close', 'end' or 'finish' may be fired right after calling this method so register to them beforehand
archive.finalize();

Formats

Archiver ships with out of the box support for TAR and ZIP archives.

You can register additional formats with registerFormat.

You can check if format already exists before to register a new one with isRegisteredFormat.

Terms & PrivacyProduct HuntJSON to TypeScriptCopilotChat for Web Dev