Self-extracting archive

A self-extracting archive (SFX or SEA) is a computer executable program which combines compressed data in an archive file with machine-executable code to extract the information. Run on a compatible operating system, there is no need for a suitable extractor in the target computer to extract the data. The executable part of the file is known as a decompressor stub.

Not to be confused with Self-archiving.

Self-extracting files are used to share compressed files with a party that may not have the software needed to decompress a regular archive. Users can also use self-extracting archives to distribute their own software. For example, the WinRAR installation program is made using the graphical GUI RAR self-extracting module Default.sfx.

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