RARbeta

RARbeta is a file archiving format developed by Eugene Roshal, the creator of the WinRAR software. It is an improved version of the original RAR format, offering enhanced compression ratios and additional features. RARbeta files are typically identified by the ".rar" extension, although they can also use ".r00" to ".r99" for split volumes.

The RARbeta format supports a wide range of compression methods, including solid compression, which can significantly improve compression ratios for multiple files. It also supports various encryption algorithms, including AES-256, to secure the contents of the archive. RARbeta files can be created and extracted using WinRAR, a popular file archiving utility for Windows, as well as other third-party software that supports the RAR format.

One of the key features of RARbeta is its ability to create self-extracting archives, which can be run as executable files to extract their contents without the need for additional software. This makes it a convenient option for distributing files that require extraction.

RARbeta is widely used for its efficient compression and encryption capabilities, making it a popular choice for backing up data, sharing files, and distributing software. However, it is important to note that the RAR format is proprietary, and the official specification is not publicly available. This has led to the development of alternative open-source implementations, such as UnRAR, which can extract RAR files without the need for WinRAR.