pigz compresses and decompresses gzip files in parallel across multiple processor cores.
Pigz
pigz compresses and decompresses gzip data in parallel across multiple processor cores.
About Pigz
pigz, short for Parallel Implementation of GZip, is a command-line tool described as a fully functional replacement for gzip that exploits multiple processors and multiple cores when compressing data. Version 2.8, dated 19 Aug 2022, was written by Mark Adler, and the source code, man page, PDF documentation and build files are hosted in this GitHub repository.
The software is written to be portable across Unix-style operating systems that provide the zlib and pthread libraries. Compiling requires zlib version 1.2.3 or later, with 1.2.6 or later recommended; running "make" produces the pigz executable, which can be installed anywhere on the path. The latest version is published at zlib.net/pigz/, and questions or bug reports go to the author by email. The included license permits use, modification and redistribution of the software, with conditions on representing origin and marking altered versions, and it is provided as-is without warranty.
Key features
- Parallel gzip compression using multiple processors and cores
- Fully functional replacement for the gzip command
- Portable across Unix-style systems with zlib and pthread
- Built by running make; binary installable anywhere on path
- Ships with man page, PDF docs and Makefile
- License permits use, modification and redistribution with attribution conditions
Best for: Developers and system administrators on Unix-style systems who want gzip-compatible compression that takes advantage of multiple cores.
Good for
- Uses multiple processors and cores when compressing data
- Described as a fully functional replacement for gzip
- Portable across Unix-style operating systems with zlib and pthread
Watch out for
- Requires a Unix-style operating system providing zlib and pthread libraries
- Must be compiled from source with make; no installer is described
- Provided as-is with no express or implied warranty
Pigz at a glance
- Website
- github.com/madler/pigz
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Linux & Mac Apps
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Pigz FAQ
What does pigz require to compile?
zlib version 1.2.3 or later, with 1.2.6 or later recommended, plus the pthread library, on a Unix-style operating system.
How do I build and install pigz?
Run "make" in the repository directory to build the pigz executable, then install it wherever you like in your path, such as /usr/local/bin/.
Is pigz a drop-in replacement for gzip?
The README describes pigz as a fully functional replacement for gzip that exploits multiple processors and multiple cores when compressing data.
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