QUAD v1.08 overview

[encode]

A small topic about new release related stuff. Okay, already finished:
+ Higher compression with max mode (special thanks to Uwe Herklotz)
+ Some speed improvements, especially with decompression
+ Additional error checking, some small bug fixes (while decompressing invalid compressed data)
+ Some documentation and homepage improvements

And here is the README. Please check it (spelling, names, etc.)
READMEv1.TXT

[LovePimple]

Quad 1.08 is looking good!

BTW: Check your mail.

[encode]

Okay, renewed version:
READMEv2.TXT

[LovePimple]

Looking forward to the release date!

[encode]

Estimated release date: 20...25 march

I think the new version is at almost written. However, I'll keep it unreleased for additional testing and README/HOMEPAGE checking.

By the way, Fallon, what do you think about new README.TXT and QUAD's homepage? Is everything allright?

[Fallon]

Fallon, what do you think about new README.TXT and QUADs homepage?

Quads homepage, unless you want to sell art or give away roses there, it looks efficient to me. Praise, my learned friend!

Lovepimple probably did some good things between READMEv1.TXT and READMEv2.TXT already. Hmmm.
Just a moment, let me put matches under my eyelids and check the
READMEv2.TXT now.

Its main features
should read
Its main features

in this case stays the same as with normal mode.
should read
in this case stay the same as with normal mode.

Synonyms for this command are:
is not mistaken, still should probably read as
Synonymous with this command are:

Explanation for this suggestion:
Synonyms is a well chosen word here. Better than the plain: Alternatives.
A synonym can be a phrase with an identical meaning. More often it is just one word with an identical mening.
So strictly speaking you are equally right and you can stick your tongue out and leave it as it is.
But for a phrase... Synonymous with is probably somewhat better.

But, (no bud as we drink Belgium beer in Europe), its not all
that important. What am I doing again? Anyway, its done.

Your list of Quads improvements looks good!

[LovePimple]

Its main features
should read
Its main features

I dont agree with this. To write "Its" is like saying "It is".

in this case stays the same as with normal mode.
should read
in this case stay the same as with normal mode.

I do agree with this.

[Fallon]

To write "Its" is like saying "It is".

Yep, you are right!

[encode]

Okay, a fixed version:
READMEv3.TXT

By the way, Fallon, I placed your nickname in the THANKS list. You really help me with quad CLI and documentation! Thank you! (if you want to place the real name there, let me know)

Also, I have some ideas for improvement. Under Linux I've found that I must enter the same name twice. For example:

quad c <u>mptrack.exe</u> <u>mptrack.exe</u>.quad

Under WIndows I use Copy/Paste right into the command line:
1. Push Rename in context menu
2. Ctrl+C
3. Just right mice button click in the command line prompt (QuickEdit mode enabled)

So, I think to myself, better if the 'outfile' name will be optional and QUAD will add the '.quad' suffix automatically.

quad c mptrack.exe

Automatically will pack mptrack.exe to mptrack.exe.quad

But if you want to specify the outfile - no problem:

quad c mptrack.exe mpt.exe.quad

I hope I'll add this to 1.08...

[encode]

In addition, I think I should change licensing from GPL to LGPL. With GPL, developers of closed-source archivers just cannot use the QUAD code in their software. Making QUAD LGPL will permit closed-source and commertial programs to have QUAD compression and decompression.

[Fallon]

Okay, a fixed version:
READMEv3.TXT

This looks all okay.

Fallon, I placed your nickname in the THANKS list.

For this use my real name, its Raiko.
I use too many nicks, on forums, like Fallon_Repack.
Considering the company, its very generous of you. Thank you.

[LovePimple]

For this use my real name, its Raiko.
I use too many nicks, on forums, like Fallon_Repack.

Are you the "Raiko (dt)" that is a member at the M Software forum?

There are also posts from a "Fallon Offw" as well.

[encode]

I changed program usage. So, renewed version:
READMEv4.TXT

[Fallon]

LovePimple, if I get curious, I will check that out, thanks.
(probably not before my dog will have mastered his book 'how to use google')

READMEv4.TXT

[encode]

During developing process of QUAD I was greedy as a pig. I created the QUAD file structure as simple as it possible. However, I think it's time to add some a nice-to-have things. Actually, I knew about future format enhancements and I kept some room for this.

QUAD FILE STRUCTURE

// compressed stream:
int size; // uncompressed size (4 bytes, signed int)
// <compressed data> (? bytes)

// small footer (optional section)
unsigned int checksum; // crc-32 checksum
unsigned int marker; // "QUAD" string

Current QUAD has no footer. i.e. it has no crc-32 checking and QUAD marker.

I think I'll add listed featurest to the 1.08...

By the way, look at this:
http://www.altools.net/Forums/tabid/86/forumid/1/p ostid/1826/view/topic/Default.aspx

[encode]

Or I shouldn't add such extensions. Do you see, new QUAD already has a two level stream checking:
Data level (checking in arithmetic coder for data errors)
Stream level (checking in PPM model for stream errors)
These two levels are able to detect errors in a stream. So, I'll make some additional experiments. Suggestions and thoughts are welcomed.

[encode]

Well, new QUAD is pretty similar to gzip and bzip2.

quad x 1.tar

quad d 1.tar.quad

...

Okay, and how about deleting input files. gzip and bzip2 are perform such action.

For example:

quad x 1.tar

QUAD will automatically replace 1.tar with 1.tar.quad

At some point it's useful. However, such feature can be optional. For example, using a special command (switch) you can change QUAD's behavior - enabling or disabling input file deleting.

with bzip2 we have a '-k' switch - keep (don't delete) input files. With QUAD I can do the same thing. for example:

commands:
c = compress
x = use max compression mode
d = decompress
r = remove input file

or

k = keep input file

[Christian]

Hi Ilia!
Good work as always!

commands:
c = compress
x = use max compression mode
d = decompress
r = remove input file

or

k = keep input file

If a user would accidentally forget the k switch the input file would be gone. Therefore Id vote for the r switch.

Chris

[Black_Fox1]

If a user would accidentally forget the k switch the input file would be gone. Therefore Id vote for the r switch.

So do I.

[encode]

I decided to not include this feature in next release.

[encode]

Yepp, I add the compression/decompression to console under NT. However you can view only small files. Example:

quad d 1.txt.quad con

displays the contents of 1.txt without a new file creation.

testing and experimenting in progress...

[LovePimple]

Thanks for the update Ilia!

Well, new QUAD is pretty similar to gzip and bzip2.

quad x 1.tar

quad d 1.tar.quad

I like this idea.

Okay, and how about deleting input files. gzip and bzip2 are perform such action.

For example:

quad x 1.tar

QUAD will automatically replace 1.tar with 1.tar.quad

I dont agree with the idea of automatically deleting the original file after compression.

[encode]

I dont agree with the idea of automatically deleting the original file after compression.

I just experimented with some ideas. Like I said, next QUAD has no file deleting after compression/decompression. The most imortant improvement in CLI is optional output file specification - I carefully tested such feature and its very useful.

If you try to decompress a file with no quad suffix (or extension), QUAD throw an error:

quad d mptrack.exe
...
unknown suffix: exe
or
mptrack.exe: unknown suffix

to force decompression you must specify an output file name:

quad d mptrack.exe mptrack.junk

Currently, you can compress a quad file:

quad x 1.quad

compresses 1.quad to 1.quad.quad

But I have an idea to prohibit double compression:

quad x 1.quad
...
1.quad already has quad suffix

or something like that, what do you think?

[LovePimple]

to force decompression you must specify an output file name:

quad d mptrack.exe mptrack.junk

I think that decompression should be strictly disallowed unless the file has the ".quad" extension.

But I have an idea to prohibit double compression:

quad x 1.quad
...
1.quad already has quad suffix

or something like that, what do you think?

I think this is a good idea. Identify quad compressed file and report something like "File already compressed by quad." or just skip the file and display the help message.

[encode]

http://studwww.ugent.be/~jdebock/win32_compressor_ builds/quad-1.07BETA_intel.exe

[encode]

Johan's build is faster! and 1.07BETA has no speed improvements! It's crazy, new QUAD 1.08 + Intel build must represent something monstorus in terms of decompression speed vs compression...

[encode]

Note that you should decompress with UPX this executable. A pure EXE works faster compared to packed...

[LovePimple]

Its crazy, new QUAD 1.08 + Intel build must represent something monstorus in terms of decompression speed vs compression

I was thinking exactly the same thing!

[Bulat Ziganshin]

imvho, it's much better to copy bzip2's cmdline interface. just to simplify user's life

[LovePimple]

Note that you should decompress with UPX this executable. A pure EXE works faster compared to packed...

I hate it when programs are released with compressed exe files. I believe that in most cases the decision to compress executables (or not) should be left to user.