ADC

ADC (ArchivedDataCodec) is an open-source file extension and archiving/compression tool that uses Zlib for efficient compression and decompression of various file types. With a simple command-line interface, ADC supports both Windows and Linux, making it easy for users to archive and extract files.

ADC Archiver uses an 8-byte header to identify and manage its archive format. This allows for efficient storage and retrieval of data, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.

Why ADC

• ADC is a purpose-built archiving format
  No historical baggage, no legacy compromises. ADC is designed with a single, clear structure and a strict data layout.
• Linear and predictable archive layout
  Archives are written and read sequentially from start to end. No central directories, no backward seeks, no hidden tables.
• Straightforward to implement in any language
  The format is compact and explicit. A complete reader or writer can be implemented without complex or specialized libraries.
• Full control over the archive contents
  Each file is processed, compressed, and stored individually. There is no implicit metadata or opaque behavior.
• Built-in modern encryption
  Optional password protection is integrated into the format using proven cryptography, not external tooling.
• Deterministic behavior
  ADC behaves consistently and predictably. The same input produces the same structural output every time.
• Tooling-first design
  ADC is designed as a technical foundation. The CLI is an interface on top of the format, not the core of it.
• Extensible without legacy constraints
  The format can evolve without being locked into decades of backward-compatibility decisions.
• Cross-platform by design
  ADC archives behave identically across supported operating systems.
• Fully transparent and open
  The format is inspectable, understandable, and auditable. No black boxes, no closed specifications.
• Built for engineers
  ADC is focused, explicit, and controlled. It is designed for people who want to understand and own their tooling.

ADC for Every Archive

ADC Archiver can compress and archive any file, making it suitable for sorting and managing files and archives.

Cross-Platform

ADC Archiver is available on multiple platforms, whether Windows or Linux.

Features

• Great Compression Algorithm: Utilizes zlib for efficient compression.
• Cross-Platform: Compatible with Windows and Linux.
• Command-Line Interface: Simple and intuitive.
• Support: Works with a wide range of file types.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Developers:

• Python 3.13.x
• zlib library (typically included with Python)
• tkinter
• os
• colorama
• progress
• cryptography

Users:

• Windows 8 or higher
• Linux distro with glibc 2.31 or higher

Downloads

Latest version: 1.4.5 LTS "Grand Canyon"

Please note:

After installing ADC please restart or log out and back in to ensure the adc command is recognized in your terminal and file associations work properly.

Installation

For Linux, download tar.xz or tar.zst and run install.sh. After installation, use adc in the terminal. To remove: remove.sh

Linux installation command

wget -O- "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/The-ADC-Archiver-Project/webscripts/refs/heads/main/install.sh" | bash

Remove ADC on Linux

wget -O- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/The-ADC-Archiver-Project/webscripts/refs/heads/main/uninstall.sh | bash

If the command adc does not work, try:

sudo ln -sf /opt/adc/adc /usr/local/bin/adc && hash -r && adc

Other releases/versions are available here.

Verifying Downloads (Recommended)

Verify integrity and authenticity, especially on Linux.

Linux

sha256sum adc.tar.xz
gpg --verify adc.tar.xz.sig adc.tar.xz

GPG Fingerprint: DAEF 30A4 2EFC 5B43 B08C 4ED4 952C 7816 AD04 55DE

Windows

Get-FileHash adc_1.4.5_win_portable_amd64.zip -Algorithm SHA256
Get-FileHash adc1.4.5_amd64setup.exe -Algorithm SHA256

Compare the output with the hashes listed above. Windows binaries are not GPG-signed.

Test archives: visit repository

Mirrors:

• GitHub (original)[Recommended]
• SourceForge Mirror

More info for Linux usage: Documentation

Build ADC yourself

Build from source if pre-compiled binaries are unsuitable. Requires Python3, dependencies, and a C compiler. Follow the instructions in the source repository.

Contributing

Please see this document for contributing guidelines: CONTRIBUTING.md

ADC Core Util

Extract .adc files without full ADC Archiver. Useful for OEMs and users.

Reporting Issues

Report bugs: Issue tracker

Get in contact about ADC

Look for the [ANN] tag to read the latest announcements.

You can talk about ADC in the following places:

Mailinglist: https://www.freelists.org/list/adc
Forum: https://groups.google.com/g/adc-archiver
Matrix: https://matrix.to/#/#adc-archiver:matrix.org
IRC: OFTC - #adc-archiver
XMPP: vuwirer@chat.disroot.org?join