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Archive file
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a>, an archive file is a <a href="/facts/Computer_file/FjFH3Ufm">computer file</a> that is composed of one or more files along with <a href="/facts/Metadata/qt35z79C">metadata</a>. Many archive formats also support compression of member files. Archive files are used to <a href="/facts/Linker_(computing)/pn1hztYe">collect</a> multiple data files together into a single file for easier <a href="/facts/Software_portability/tWKVGCBb">portability</a> and storage, or simply to <a href="/facts/Lossless_compression/LS702KsN">compress</a> files to use less storage space. Archive files often store <a href="/facts/Directory_structure/t7lEWPpd">directory structures</a>, <a href="/facts/Error_detection_and_correction/o2rH8e3n">error detection and correction</a> information, comments, and some use built-in <a href="/facts/Encryption/16q29Fdv">encryption</a>. </p>