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LZ4 algorithm was included in Linux 3.11 kernel

Can I compress files with this algorithm without installation of additional packages?

Quiz
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1 Answers1

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This is referring to a kernel-side compression, for things like decompressing the kernel image itself. For a write-up of the benefits, and comparison with existing kernel compression algorithms, see http://events.linuxfoundation.org/sites/events/files/lcjpcojp13_klee.pdf.

For compression/decompression of files from userspace, you need the userspace utility, which can be obtained from https://code.google.com/p/lz4/

Even for use of the LZ4 compressed kernel described in the first paragraph, you still need a userspace utility to compress your kernel file.

Peter
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    Thanks, I suspected that LZ4 used internally and not available from userspace. I found package for Ubuntu `sudo apt-get install liblz4-tool`. After installation you can compress files with `lz4c -c source target.lz4` – Quiz Mar 29 '14 at 10:38
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    Linux kernel uses legacy framing format. To generate a compressed file compatible with this format, you need the -l command. (see lz4 -H, or man lz4, for more info). – Cyan Mar 31 '14 at 11:36