An executable program that contains one or more compressed files. When run, the self-extracting archive (SFX) automatically decompresses the files. The archive combines the decompression program with the compressed files and enables the distribution of compressed data without concern whether the recipient has the required decompression utility.
Although most data are compressed with the zip algorithm, and computers typically have a built-in unzip capability, the self-extracting archive is essential for distributing software compressed with other compression algorithms. Unfortunately, it is also used to distribute malware (see
polymorphic virus).
Install programs often include a self-extracting archive in order to transfer a single file from the vendor to the customer (see
install program). See
archive and
data compression.