.SHAR File Extension

Shell Archive File

A shar file is a self-extracting archive valid shell script. Executing it will recreate the files. To extract the files, the Unix Bourne shell sh is usually required. The shar command is not specifie...

General Information

Title SHAR File Extension
Extension .shar
Full Form Shell Archive File
File Type Script File, Archive File
Developer Various Unix developers
MIME Type application/x-shar

File Function

Primary Function Archive shell scripts
Additional Functions Self-extracting, Script execution
Features Text-based, Portable

File Characteristics

Quality Depends on content
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Software Distribution Yes
Backup Yes
Script Execution Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Code execution
Best Practices Verify source, Limit permissions

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Early Unix
Latest Version Dependent on utility

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .tar, .gz, .zip

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
GNU Sharutils Free Unix, Linux, BSD
Unshar (various tools) Free Unix, Linux
WinZip Free, Paid Windows, Mac