Node.js Zip Libraries Comparison
adm-zip vs yazl vs zip-a-folder vs zip-lib vs node-zip
1 Year
adm-zipyazlzip-a-folderzip-libnode-zipSimilar Packages:
What's Node.js Zip Libraries?

These libraries are designed for creating, reading, and manipulating ZIP files in Node.js applications. They provide various functionalities to handle file compression and decompression, making it easier for developers to manage file archives. Each library has its own strengths, catering to different use cases and performance requirements, allowing developers to choose the best fit for their specific needs.

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adm-zip5,708,1202,065121 kB1394 months agoMIT
yazl936,31734258.7 kB1923 days agoMIT
zip-a-folder193,96271107 kB0a month agoMIT
zip-lib102,1903150.6 kB1a month agoMIT
node-zip86,318217-2010 years ago-
Feature Comparison: adm-zip vs yazl vs zip-a-folder vs zip-lib vs node-zip

Ease of Use

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It provides a straightforward API that allows developers to quickly create and extract ZIP files without needing to understand the underlying complexities of the ZIP format.

  • yazl:

    yazl is designed with performance in mind, but it also maintains a relatively simple API for creating ZIP files. It strikes a balance between ease of use and performance, making it accessible for most developers.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder is extremely user-friendly, allowing developers to zip entire folders with just a single function call. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid dealing with individual file management.

  • zip-lib:

    zip-lib offers a comprehensive API that may have a steeper learning curve but provides extensive functionality for advanced users. It is suitable for those who need more than basic zipping capabilities.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip has a more complex API that may require a deeper understanding of ZIP file structures. While it offers flexibility, it may not be as user-friendly for beginners or those looking for quick implementations.

Performance

  • adm-zip:

    While adm-zip is easy to use, it may not be the most performant option for creating large ZIP files, as it loads everything into memory before writing to disk, which can lead to high memory usage.

  • yazl:

    yazl is optimized for performance, making it one of the fastest libraries for creating ZIP files. It uses streaming to handle large files efficiently, minimizing memory usage and speeding up the zipping process.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder is efficient for zipping directories but may not be as fast as yazl for large files. It is designed for convenience rather than raw performance, making it suitable for smaller tasks.

  • zip-lib:

    zip-lib offers good performance, especially with its support for streaming and encryption. It is suitable for applications that require both speed and advanced features.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip provides a good balance between performance and flexibility. It allows for more control over the compression process, which can lead to better performance in specific scenarios, especially when handling custom data.

File Handling Capabilities

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip supports basic file operations such as adding, extracting, and deleting files within a ZIP archive. However, it lacks advanced features like streaming or encryption.

  • yazl:

    yazl focuses on creating ZIP files efficiently but does not support reading ZIP files. It is primarily a one-way tool for zipping data, making it less versatile than some alternatives.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder simplifies the process of zipping entire directories, but it does not provide options for manipulating individual files within the archive. It is best for straightforward zipping tasks.

  • zip-lib:

    zip-lib excels in file handling capabilities, supporting both zipping and unzipping with advanced features like file encryption and streaming. It is ideal for complex applications that require robust file management.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip allows for detailed control over file handling, including the ability to manipulate file headers and compression levels. This makes it suitable for developers who need to customize their ZIP files extensively.

Advanced Features

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip lacks advanced features such as file encryption or streaming, making it suitable for basic use cases but limiting for more complex applications.

  • yazl:

    yazl does not support reading ZIP files and lacks advanced features like encryption, focusing solely on efficient ZIP file creation.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder is designed for simplicity and does not include advanced features, making it ideal for quick and easy zipping tasks without the need for complex configurations.

  • zip-lib:

    zip-lib includes advanced features such as file encryption, streaming, and support for various compression methods, making it a powerful choice for applications that require robust file handling.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip does not offer advanced features like encryption or streaming, focusing instead on flexibility and control over the ZIP creation process.

Community and Support

  • adm-zip:

    adm-zip has a moderate user base and community support, with sufficient documentation and examples available for common use cases.

  • yazl:

    yazl has a growing community and is well-documented, providing good support for developers looking to implement its features effectively.

  • zip-a-folder:

    zip-a-folder has a limited community but offers straightforward documentation, making it easy for users to get started without much assistance.

  • zip-lib:

    zip-lib has a strong community and extensive documentation, making it a reliable choice for developers who may need support or resources during implementation.

  • node-zip:

    node-zip has a smaller community, which may result in less available support and fewer resources compared to more popular libraries.

How to Choose: adm-zip vs yazl vs zip-a-folder vs zip-lib vs node-zip
  • adm-zip:

    Choose adm-zip if you need a straightforward and easy-to-use library for basic ZIP file operations. It supports both reading and writing ZIP files and is suitable for smaller projects or quick tasks where simplicity is key.

  • yazl:

    Select yazl when performance is a priority, especially for creating large ZIP files. It is designed for speed and efficiency, making it suitable for applications that need to handle large amounts of data quickly and with minimal memory overhead.

  • zip-a-folder:

    Use zip-a-folder if you need a simple solution to zip entire directories easily. This library abstracts the complexity of zipping multiple files and folders, making it perfect for applications that need to package entire directories with minimal configuration.

  • zip-lib:

    Choose zip-lib for a comprehensive solution that supports both zipping and unzipping files with advanced features like streaming and file encryption. It is ideal for applications that require robust file handling capabilities and additional features.

  • node-zip:

    Opt for node-zip if you require a more flexible and low-level approach to ZIP file manipulation. It allows for more control over the compression process and is ideal for developers who need to customize the ZIP creation process extensively.

README for adm-zip

ADM-ZIP for NodeJS

ADM-ZIP is a pure JavaScript implementation for zip data compression for NodeJS.

Build Status

Installation

With npm do:

$ npm install adm-zip

Electron file system support described below.

What is it good for?

The library allows you to:

  • decompress zip files directly to disk or in memory buffers
  • compress files and store them to disk in .zip format or in compressed buffers
  • update content of/add new/delete files from an existing .zip

Dependencies

There are no other nodeJS libraries that ADM-ZIP is dependent of

Examples

Basic usage

var AdmZip = require("adm-zip");

// reading archives
var zip = new AdmZip("./my_file.zip");
var password = "1234567890";
var zipEntries = zip.getEntries(); // an array of ZipEntry records - add password parameter if entries are password protected

zipEntries.forEach(function (zipEntry) {
    console.log(zipEntry.toString()); // outputs zip entries information
    if (zipEntry.entryName == "my_file.txt") {
        console.log(zipEntry.getData().toString("utf8"));
    }
});
// outputs the content of some_folder/my_file.txt
console.log(zip.readAsText("some_folder/my_file.txt"));
// extracts the specified file to the specified location
zip.extractEntryTo(/*entry name*/ "some_folder/my_file.txt", /*target path*/ "/home/me/tempfolder", /*maintainEntryPath*/ false, /*overwrite*/ true);
// extracts everything
zip.extractAllTo(/*target path*/ "/home/me/zipcontent/", /*overwrite*/ true);

// creating archives
var zip = new AdmZip();

// add file directly
var content = "inner content of the file";
zip.addFile("test.txt", Buffer.from(content, "utf8"), "entry comment goes here");
// add local file
zip.addLocalFile("/home/me/some_picture.png");
// get everything as a buffer
var willSendthis = zip.toBuffer();
// or write everything to disk
zip.writeZip(/*target file name*/ "/home/me/files.zip");

// ... more examples in the wiki

For more detailed information please check out the wiki.

Electron original-fs

ADM-ZIP has supported electron original-fs for years without any user interractions but it causes problem with bundlers like rollup etc. For continuing support original-fs or any other custom file system module. There is possible specify your module by fs option in ADM-ZIP constructor.

Example:

const AdmZip = require("adm-zip");
const OriginalFs = require("original-fs");

// reading archives
const zip = new AdmZip("./my_file.zip", { fs: OriginalFs });
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