zlib
| zlib (library) | |
|---|---|
| Developers | |
| Initial release | 1 May 1995 |
| Stable release | 1.3.2
/ 17 February 2026 |
| Written in | C |
| Operating system | Cross-platform |
| Type | Data compression |
| License | zlib License |
| Website | zlib |
| Repository | |
zlib (/ˈziːlɪb/ or "zeta-lib", /ˈziːtəˌlɪb/) is a data format and a lossless data compression software library created by Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler. The library implements the Deflate algorithm and supports compressing and decompressing data using the zlib data format, the gzip file format, or simply as a Deflate stream.
zlib is also a crucial component of many software platforms, including Linux, macOS, and iOS. It has also been used in gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Wii, Xbox One and Xbox 360.
The first public version of Zlib, 0.9, was released on 1 May 1995 and was originally intended for use with the libpng image library. It is free software, distributed under the zlib License.
RFC 1950 specifies the zlib data format.