Sfx

Sfx 

Self-extracting archive (English self-extracting archive, abbreviated "SFX archive") - a file, a computer program that combines an archive and executable code for unpacking it. Such archives, unlike ordinary ones, do not require a separate program for unpacking them (getting the source files from which they were created), if the executable code can be executed on the specified operating system. This is useful when it is not known whether the user to whom the archive is being transferred has an appropriate unpacking program.

The main way to use self-extracting archives is to create programs for installing software without using package management systems.

The executable code attached to the archive can be a complete unpacking programme.

Sfx Compatibility

Since a program for one platform often cannot run on others, it can be difficult to unpack a self-extracting archive created for one system on others.

Self-extracting archives in some formats, such as RAR and ZIP, can be unpacked with a standalone unpacker.

You can also create code that will be supported without additional programs on several operating systems at once - for example, OS / 2.

Or code that will be supported by the standard distribution of one OS, and additional tools in another - for example, using the shell (see above).