untarred

Untarred refers to a file or directory that has been extracted from a tar archive. A tar archive, often identified by the .tar extension, is a common method for bundling multiple files and directories into a single file, preserving file system information like permissions and directory structures. This process is analogous to packing items into a box for easier transport or storage.

When a tar archive is "untarred," it means the contents have been unpacked and are now accessible as individual files and directories in their original form. The command-line utility `tar` is the primary tool used for both creating and extracting tar archives. For example, on Unix-like systems, the command `tar -xf archive.tar` would extract the contents of a file named `archive.tar` into the current directory. The `-x` flag signifies extraction, and the `-f` flag specifies the archive file name.

The concept of untarred is fundamental in software distribution, data backup, and system administration. It allows for the efficient transfer and management of collections of files. Once untarred, the individual files can be further processed, modified, or deployed as needed. This process is a standard operation in many operating systems and is widely understood by computer users.