In computing

Computing

Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...

, GCA is a freeware

Freeware

Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...

 compression

Data compression

In computer science and information theory, data compression, source coding or bit-rate reduction is the process of encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation would use....

 utility created in 2000 by . GCA is a compressed archive format. It has higher compression capabilities than ZIP, especially with binary

Executable

In computing, an executable file causes a computer "to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions," as opposed to a data file that must be parsed by a program to be meaningful. These instructions are traditionally machine code instructions for a physical CPU...

 files. The next generation of GCA is 'DGCA'. It is not widely used other than by some Japanese programmers for compressing characters from the M.U.G.E.N. game engine into one file.

See also

• List of archive formats
• List of file archivers
• Comparison of file archivers
  Comparison of file archivers
  The following tables compare general and technical information for a number of file archivers. Please see the individual products' articles for further information. They are neither all-inclusive nor are some entries necessarily up to date...