Examining tar Archives

Examining tar Archives

For tar archives, use the v keyword for verbose listing of the archive contents:

tar tv

You can compare files that are archived with the original files using tar:

tar C

You see messages about the status of the files. Each message begins with a key character (a letter or symbol) that signifies the status of the file in the archive versus the original file. These characters are shown in Table 2-3.

tar Comparison Key Characters
Key Meaning
= The files compare
! The files don't compare
? Can't read the disk file
> Disk file doesn't exist
L Linked to an earlier file on the tape
S Symbolic link
B Block special file
C Character special file
P Named pipe

tar Comparison Key Characters
Key	Meaning
=	The files compare
!	The files don't compare
?	Can't read the disk file
>	Disk file doesn't exist
L	Linked to an earlier file on the tape
S	Symbolic link
B	Block special file
C	Character special file
P	Named pipe