file-archiver_skill

Overview

This skill creates and extracts ZIP, TAR, and GZIP archives with optional password protection. It provides command-style operations to compress folders and files, list archive contents, and securely produce encrypted ZIP files for transport or backup. The implementation is concise and suitable for automation or integration into workflows.

How this skill works

You invoke commands to create, extract, or list archives. The tool reads files and directories, selects the requested archive format (ZIP, TAR, or GZIP), applies optional password-based encryption for ZIP outputs, and writes the resulting archive to the target path. For extraction it detects the format, validates passwords when required, and restores files to the specified output folder.

When to use it

• Bundling a project directory for distribution or backup
• Reducing transfer size when uploading or sending files
• Encrypting sensitive files for secure sharing using password-protected ZIP
• Unpacking archives received from others or downloaded from the web
• Scripting repeatable archive workflows in CI/CD or automation

Best practices

• Use TAR/GZIP for Unix-style preservation of permissions and metadata when compressing on Linux/macOS
• Use ZIP when cross-platform compatibility or password protection is required
• Choose strong, unique passwords for encrypted ZIPs and manage them securely (do not embed in public scripts)
• Verify archive contents with the list operation before extracting to avoid surprises
• Automate checksums or signing for archives containing critical releases

Example use cases

• Create a ZIP of a build output to upload as a single artifact
• Produce a password-protected ZIP before sending confidential reports to a partner
• Compress log directories into GZIP or TAR.GZ for long-term storage
• Extract downloaded archives into a clean workspace during deployment
• List archive contents in a CI job to confirm expected files are present