What type of file does the 7z compression format refer to?

The 7z compression format refers to an archive for compressed data. This format is primarily used to compress files and folders into a single file, which helps save storage space and makes it easier to transfer multiple files as one package. The compression algorithm used in 7z is known for its high compression ratios, which means it can significantly reduce the size of files without losing any data quality.

When you encounter a 7z file, you will typically use a specific software application designed to unpack or decompress that format, such as 7-Zip. This ability to archive multiple files into a single compressed file is what makes 7z an efficient tool for data management and file sharing in both personal and professional environments. Other file types mentioned do not encapsulate this functionality of compressing and archiving, which solidifies why the focus is on the 7z format being an archive for compressed data.