File Format Wiki

ZIP format rules

Archive format for many files and directories.

Format rules

  • Entries have paths
  • Compression method varies
  • Zip slip path traversal is a risk

Valid example

Archive project files with relative paths.

Invalid example

Extracting without path validation

Common errors

  • Assuming ZIP accepts syntax from a similar format
  • Using the wrong encoding or line ending
  • Copying invisible characters from rich text
  • Testing only the happy path and not parser errors

Online validation and conversion

Compared with nearby formats

ZIP should be chosen for the parser and ecosystem that will consume it. Prefer strict formats for APIs, human-friendly formats for ops config, and signed formats only when verification is required.