pako vs zlib vs node-gzip vs gzip-js
JavaScript Compression Libraries Comparison
Search packages..
1 Year
pakozlibnode-gzipgzip-js
What's JavaScript Compression Libraries?

JavaScript compression libraries are essential tools for optimizing data transmission and storage by reducing the size of files. These libraries implement various algorithms to compress and decompress data, making them suitable for web applications where performance and bandwidth are critical. They are commonly used for compressing JSON data, assets, or any other data that needs to be transmitted over the network, thereby enhancing load times and reducing server costs. Each library offers unique features, performance characteristics, and compatibility with different environments, allowing developers to choose the one that best fits their needs.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
pako30,060,2335,7801.64 MB262 years ago(MIT AND Zlib)
zlib376,12363-1114 years ago-
node-gzip151,64555-17 years agoMIT
gzip-js21,391436-1512 years agoGPL
Feature Comparison: pako vs zlib vs node-gzip vs gzip-js

Performance

  • pako:

    pako is designed for speed and efficiency, offering performance comparable to native implementations. It is optimized for both Gzip and Zlib formats, making it suitable for a variety of use cases, including large datasets.

  • zlib:

    zlib is a native library in Node.js, providing the best performance for compression and decompression tasks. It is highly optimized for speed and can handle large files efficiently, making it the go-to choice for server-side applications.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip leverages the native zlib library in Node.js, providing high performance and efficiency for server-side compression tasks. It is optimized for handling larger files and streams, ensuring quick processing times.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js is a pure JavaScript implementation, which may not be as fast as native solutions but is useful for client-side compression. It is suitable for smaller datasets but may struggle with larger files due to JavaScript's single-threaded nature.

Compatibility

  • pako:

    pako works seamlessly in both browser and Node.js environments, providing flexibility for developers who need a single library for multiple platforms. It supports both Gzip and Zlib formats, enhancing its compatibility.

  • zlib:

    zlib is a built-in module in Node.js, ensuring full compatibility with all Node.js versions. It is not intended for browser use, making it strictly a server-side solution.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip is specifically designed for Node.js environments, ensuring compatibility with various Node.js versions and stream APIs, making it a reliable choice for server-side applications.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js is compatible with modern browsers, making it ideal for client-side applications. However, it may not support older browsers due to its reliance on ES5 features.

Ease of Use

  • pako:

    pako provides a user-friendly API that is easy to understand and implement. Its dual support for Gzip and Zlib formats simplifies usage for developers needing flexibility in their applications.

  • zlib:

    zlib has a more complex API compared to other libraries, but it offers extensive functionality for advanced users. Its integration into Node.js makes it a powerful tool for experienced developers.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip offers a simple API that mirrors the native zlib module, making it easy for developers familiar with Node.js to implement compression and decompression tasks without a steep learning curve.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js is straightforward to use, with a simple API that allows for easy integration into client-side applications. However, its performance may require careful consideration for larger datasets.

File Size Reduction

  • pako:

    pako excels in file size reduction, providing competitive compression ratios for both Gzip and Zlib formats. It is particularly effective for large datasets, ensuring minimal data transfer sizes.

  • zlib:

    zlib is highly efficient in reducing file sizes, leveraging native algorithms optimized for performance. It is particularly effective for compressing large files, making it ideal for server-side use.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip achieves significant file size reduction using the Gzip algorithm, making it efficient for compressing larger files and streams, which is crucial for server-side applications.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js effectively reduces file sizes, especially for text-based data like JSON. However, its performance may vary depending on the dataset size and complexity.

Community and Support

  • pako:

    pako has a strong community and is widely used in various projects, providing extensive documentation and support. Its popularity ensures that developers can find help and resources easily.

  • zlib:

    zlib is a core part of Node.js, benefiting from extensive documentation and community support. Being a native module, it is well-maintained and reliable for production use.

  • node-gzip:

    node-gzip benefits from the larger Node.js community, ensuring ample resources, documentation, and support for developers. It is actively maintained, which adds to its reliability.

  • gzip-js:

    gzip-js has a smaller community compared to others, which may limit the availability of resources and support. However, it is open-source and can be modified as needed.

How to Choose: pako vs zlib vs node-gzip vs gzip-js
  • pako:

    Opt for pako if you need a fast, robust library that supports both Gzip and Zlib formats. Pako is designed for performance and is suitable for both browser and Node.js environments, making it versatile for various applications.

  • zlib:

    Use zlib if you are looking for a native Node.js solution that provides high-performance compression and decompression. It is part of the Node.js standard library, making it a reliable choice for server-side applications.

  • node-gzip:

    Select node-gzip if you are working in a Node.js environment and require a simple, efficient way to compress and decompress data using the Gzip format. It is optimized for server-side usage and integrates well with other Node.js streams.

  • gzip-js:

    Choose gzip-js if you need a pure JavaScript implementation that runs entirely in the browser without any dependencies. It's suitable for client-side applications where you want to compress data before sending it to the server.

Similar Npm Packages to pako

pako is a fast and efficient JavaScript library for data compression and decompression using the DEFLATE algorithm. It is particularly useful for web applications that need to handle large amounts of data, allowing developers to compress data before sending it over the network and decompress it on the client side. Pako is designed to be compatible with both Node.js and browser environments, making it a versatile choice for various JavaScript projects.

While pako is a popular choice for compression tasks, there are other libraries that offer similar functionality. Here are a few alternatives:

  • node-gzip is a simple and lightweight library for Gzip compression and decompression in Node.js applications. It provides a straightforward API for compressing and decompressing data using Gzip, making it a good choice for server-side applications that require basic Gzip functionality. If you're looking for a minimalistic solution specifically for Node.js, node-gzip can be a suitable alternative to pako.
  • zlib is a built-in Node.js module that provides compression and decompression functionalities using the DEFLATE and Gzip algorithms. It is a powerful and efficient option for handling compressed data in Node.js applications. While zlib is not as user-friendly as pako for browser environments, it is a robust choice for server-side applications that require high-performance compression. If you are working exclusively within a Node.js environment and need a native solution, zlib is an excellent option.

To see how pako compares with node-gzip and zlib, check out the comparison: Comparing node-gzip vs pako vs zlib.

Similar Npm Packages to zlib

zlib is a built-in Node.js module that provides compression and decompression functionalities using the DEFLATE algorithm. It is widely used for compressing data to reduce the size of files or network transmissions, making it an essential tool for optimizing performance in web applications and services. While zlib is a powerful and efficient option, there are several alternatives available that cater to different use cases. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • gzip-js is a pure JavaScript implementation of the Gzip compression algorithm. It is designed to work in both Node.js and browser environments, making it a versatile choice for developers looking to compress data without relying on native modules. gzip-js is particularly useful for projects that require a lightweight solution and want to avoid the overhead of native dependencies. However, it may not be as performant as native implementations like zlib for large datasets.
  • node-gzip is a simple and straightforward library for Gzip compression in Node.js. It provides an easy-to-use API for compressing and decompressing data, making it a great option for developers who want to leverage Gzip without dealing with the complexities of the zlib module. node-gzip is particularly useful for applications that need to handle Gzip data but prefer a more user-friendly interface compared to the native zlib module.
  • pako is a high-performance JavaScript library for data compression and decompression, supporting both Gzip and DEFLATE formats. It is designed to work in both Node.js and browser environments, making it a flexible choice for various applications. pako is known for its speed and efficiency, making it suitable for applications that require fast compression and decompression, especially when handling large amounts of data.

To see how zlib compares with gzip-js, node-gzip, and pako, check out the comparison: Comparing gzip-js vs node-gzip vs pako vs zlib.

Similar Npm Packages to node-gzip

node-gzip is a lightweight library for compressing and decompressing data using the Gzip algorithm in Node.js applications. It provides an easy-to-use interface for handling Gzip compression, making it a popular choice for developers looking to optimize data transfer and storage. While node-gzip offers a straightforward solution for Gzip compression, there are other libraries that also provide similar functionality. Here are a few alternatives:

  • gzip-js is a pure JavaScript implementation of the Gzip compression algorithm. It is designed to work in both Node.js and browser environments, making it versatile for various applications. gzip-js is particularly useful for projects where you want to avoid native dependencies or need a lightweight solution for Gzip compression. Its compatibility with both environments allows developers to use it seamlessly in client-side and server-side applications.
  • pako is another popular library for data compression and decompression, supporting both Gzip and Deflate formats. It is built on top of the zlib library and is optimized for performance, making it suitable for handling large data sets. pako is often favored for its speed and efficiency, especially in scenarios where performance is critical, such as in web applications that require fast data processing. Its ability to handle both Gzip and Deflate makes it a versatile choice for developers needing robust compression solutions.

To see how node-gzip compares with gzip-js and pako, check out the comparison: Comparing gzip-js vs node-gzip vs pako.

Similar Npm Packages to gzip-js

gzip-js is a JavaScript library that provides a way to compress and decompress data using the Gzip algorithm. It is particularly useful for web applications that need to reduce the size of data being transmitted over the network, improving load times and overall performance. gzip-js is lightweight and can be easily integrated into both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile choice for developers looking to optimize data handling.

While gzip-js is a solid option for Gzip compression, there are other libraries available that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few alternatives:

  • node-gzip is a Node.js library that provides Gzip compression and decompression functionalities. It is built specifically for server-side applications and offers a straightforward API for handling Gzip operations. If you are working within a Node.js environment and need a reliable solution for compressing and decompressing data, node-gzip is a great choice. It is designed to be efficient and easy to use, making it suitable for various server-side applications.

  • pako is another popular library for Gzip compression and decompression. It is a fast and efficient implementation of the zlib compression library, which is widely used in various applications. Pako works in both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile option for developers. It provides a rich set of features, including support for both Gzip and deflate formats, and is known for its performance and reliability. If you need a comprehensive solution for data compression that works across different environments, pako is an excellent alternative.

To see how gzip-js compares with node-gzip and pako, check out the comparison: Comparing gzip-js vs node-gzip vs pako.

README for pako

pako

CI NPM version

zlib port to javascript, very fast!

Why pako is cool:

  • Results are binary equal to well known zlib (now contains ported zlib v1.2.8).
  • Almost as fast in modern JS engines as C implementation (see benchmarks).
  • Works in browsers, you can browserify any separate component.

This project was done to understand how fast JS can be and is it necessary to develop native C modules for CPU-intensive tasks. Enjoy the result!

Benchmarks:

node v12.16.3 (zlib 1.2.9), 1mb input sample:

deflate-imaya x 4.75 ops/sec ±4.93% (15 runs sampled)
deflate-pako x 10.38 ops/sec ±0.37% (29 runs sampled)
deflate-zlib x 17.74 ops/sec ±0.77% (46 runs sampled)
gzip-pako x 8.86 ops/sec ±1.41% (29 runs sampled)
inflate-imaya x 107 ops/sec ±0.69% (77 runs sampled)
inflate-pako x 131 ops/sec ±1.74% (82 runs sampled)
inflate-zlib x 258 ops/sec ±0.66% (88 runs sampled)
ungzip-pako x 115 ops/sec ±1.92% (80 runs sampled)

node v14.15.0 (google's zlib), 1mb output sample:

deflate-imaya x 4.93 ops/sec ±3.09% (16 runs sampled)
deflate-pako x 10.22 ops/sec ±0.33% (29 runs sampled)
deflate-zlib x 18.48 ops/sec ±0.24% (48 runs sampled)
gzip-pako x 10.16 ops/sec ±0.25% (28 runs sampled)
inflate-imaya x 110 ops/sec ±0.41% (77 runs sampled)
inflate-pako x 134 ops/sec ±0.66% (83 runs sampled)
inflate-zlib x 402 ops/sec ±0.74% (87 runs sampled)
ungzip-pako x 113 ops/sec ±0.62% (80 runs sampled)

zlib's test is partially affected by marshalling (that make sense for inflate only). You can change deflate level to 0 in benchmark source, to investigate details. For deflate level 6 results can be considered as correct.

Install:

npm install pako

Examples / API

Full docs - http://nodeca.github.io/pako/

const pako = require('pako');

// Deflate
//
const input = new Uint8Array();
//... fill input data here
const output = pako.deflate(input);

// Inflate (simple wrapper can throw exception on broken stream)
//
const compressed = new Uint8Array();
//... fill data to uncompress here
try {
  const result = pako.inflate(compressed);
  // ... continue processing
} catch (err) {
  console.log(err);
}

//
// Alternate interface for chunking & without exceptions
//

const deflator = new pako.Deflate();

deflator.push(chunk1, false);
deflator.push(chunk2); // second param is false by default.
...
deflator.push(chunk_last, true); // `true` says this chunk is last

if (deflator.err) {
  console.log(deflator.msg);
}

const output = deflator.result;


const inflator = new pako.Inflate();

inflator.push(chunk1);
inflator.push(chunk2);
...
inflator.push(chunk_last); // no second param because end is auto-detected

if (inflator.err) {
  console.log(inflator.msg);
}

const output = inflator.result;

Sometime you can wish to work with strings. For example, to send stringified objects to server. Pako's deflate detects input data type, and automatically recode strings to utf-8 prior to compress. Inflate has special option, to say compressed data has utf-8 encoding and should be recoded to javascript's utf-16.

const pako = require('pako');

const test = { my: 'super', puper: [456, 567], awesome: 'pako' };

const compressed = pako.deflate(JSON.stringify(test));

const restored = JSON.parse(pako.inflate(compressed, { to: 'string' }));

Notes

Pako does not contain some specific zlib functions:

  • deflate - methods deflateCopy, deflateBound, deflateParams, deflatePending, deflatePrime, deflateTune.
  • inflate - methods inflateCopy, inflateMark, inflatePrime, inflateGetDictionary, inflateSync, inflateSyncPoint, inflateUndermine.
  • High level inflate/deflate wrappers (classes) may not support some flush modes.

pako for enterprise

Available as part of the Tidelift Subscription

The maintainers of pako and thousands of other packages are working with Tidelift to deliver commercial support and maintenance for the open source dependencies you use to build your applications. Save time, reduce risk, and improve code health, while paying the maintainers of the exact dependencies you use. Learn more.

Authors

Personal thanks to:

  • Vyacheslav Egorov (@mraleph) for his awesome tutorials about optimising JS code for v8, IRHydra tool and his advices.
  • David Duponchel (@dduponchel) for help with testing.

Original implementation (in C):

  • zlib by Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler.

License

  • MIT - all files, except /lib/zlib folder
  • ZLIB - /lib/zlib content
npm-compare.com is an independent website designed to help developers choose the most suitable npm packages. We are not affiliated with npm, Inc or npmjs.com, the official website for the npm registry. Please note that npm is a registered trademark of npm, Inc. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Privacy.