File Extension Database

Open SHAR File

SHAR, or Shell Archive file, is a self-extracting archive of files that are concatenated onto the single-file bundles and written in a shell script. Each file is encoded and packaged within the SHAR file so the content is preserved, ready to be deployed when needed. Supporting Unix and Linux systems, the SHAR file format is akin to a zip file in Windows [1].

Opening SHAR Files

Opening SHAR files depends mainly on the system being used. UNIX-based systems have built-in support for extracting SHAR files. To open a SHAR file on Unix or Linux, the user can use the 'sh' command in the terminal, followed by the name of the SHAR file. This will run the script and extract the files contained within the SHAR file [2].

SHAR Files in Data Transmission

Due to their capacity to hold multiple files in one, SHAR files are often used when transmitting bundles of files over networks or via email. They are especially useful where network protocols might not support the sending of file bundles or directories. Keeping all the necessary files in a single SHAR preserves the structure of the original data when sent over these protocols [3].

File Integrity with SHAR Files

In addition to keeping multiple files within one single file, SHAR also checks for file integrity upon extracting, meaning it verifies whether files have been modified or tampered with since they were originally bundled. This makes SHAR a secure way of transmitting data between Unix or Linux systems [4].

SHAR File Important Information

Working with SHAR files requires a basic understanding of Unix or Linux command line interfaces and, despite the simplicity of the process, should be done with care. Misuse can lead to accidental overwriting of files. In addition, though file transmissions using SHAR files are secure in their integrity checks, they lack the encryption that formats like Zip or RAR might offer. Knowing this, it's critical to balance the convenience of SHAR files with the necessity of data security [5].

How Can I Open SHAR File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open SHAR file is to find a SHAR file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SHAR file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open SHAR file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as SHAR file opener then try to search online for "SHAR viewer", "application to open SHAR file" or "open SHAR file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open SHAR file

How Can I Open SHAR File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a SHAR file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SHAR file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with SHAR file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as SHAR file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open SHAR file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open SHAR file then try to search for "SHAR viewer", "application to open SHAR file" or "read SHAR file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read SHAR file

How Can I Open SHAR File on Android

If you downloaded a SHAR file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded SHAR file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "SHAR".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "SHAR viewer", "SHAR file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open SHAR File on iPhone or iPad

To open SHAR File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the SHAR file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "SHAR". This way you can find apps which can open SHAR files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "SHAR viewer" or "SHAR file" online in your favorite search engine.

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