How to Install zlib on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04

zlib is a highly efficient and widely-used compression library that provides in-memory compression and decompression functions, particularly known for its use in compressing and decompressing data streams. It is implemented in many applications, including software development, networking, and file compression utilities. zlib supports a wide range of compression levels and provides a balance between compression speed and compression ratio. It’s especially known for its use in the gzip and PNG file formats, making it a crucial component in software that requires fast and effective data compression.

On Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, zlib can be installed using the default APT repository, which provides a stable and well-maintained version suitable for most users. For those who require the latest features or optimizations, zlib can also be installed by downloading and compiling the source archive from the official zlib website. This method ensures that you have the most up-to-date version, tailored to your specific needs. This guide will walk you through both installation methods, helping you choose the best approach for your environment.

Method 1: Install zlib via Ubuntu’s Default Repository

Update Ubuntu Before zlib Installation

Before installing Zlib on your system, it is essential to update your Ubuntu installation to ensure all system packages are up-to-date. This helps prevent potential conflicts and ensures your system’s compatibility with the latest software packages. To update your Ubuntu system, execute the following command:

sudo apt update

If there are any updates available, use the following command to initiate the upgrade process:

sudo apt upgrade

This command will install the latest versions of all packages installed on your system, ensuring a stable and secure environment.

Install zlib on Ubuntu via APT Command

To install the Zlib development package (which contains the header files and libraries necessary for developing software that uses Zlib), run the following command:

sudo apt install zlib1g-dev

This command will install the zlib1g-dev package, ensuring your system has the necessary files to compile and link software using Zlib.

Method 2: Install zlib via Source Archive

This secondary method is to install the latest version of zlib or if you require a specific version of zlib. The only downside is that if you opt for the latest version, you must remember to re-compile any future updates.

Download the zlib source code

First, you must download the zlib source code from the official website using the wget command to download the source code from the Zlib website. Replace the {replace with your version downloaded} placeholder with the actual version number or link, as this may change in the future:

wget http://zlib.net/{replace with your version downloaded}

Or you can alternatively download the source from zlib’s GitHub releases page:

wget https://github.com/madler/zlib/archive/refs/tags/{replace with your version downloaded}.gz

An example with zlib 1.3 version release only would be similar too:

wget https://github.com/madler/zlib/archive/refs/tags/v1.3.tar.gz

Extract zlib source Archive

Once the Zlib source code has been downloaded, you must extract the archive’s contents. This can be done using the tar command:

tar -xvzf v1.3.tar.gz

Note: Remember to replace v1.3.tar.gz with your version. The command is only an example, remember.

Compile and Install zlib

Before you compile and install zlib from the source, ensure that the required dependencies are installed on your system. These dependencies include the build-essential package, which provides essential tools for building software on Ubuntu, and the gcc and make packages. To install these dependencies, run the following command:

sudo apt install build-essential gcc make

Next, navigate to the extracted Zlib source code directory using the cd command:

cd zlib-{replace with your version downloaded}

Now configure the zlib Library:

./configure --prefix=/usr/local/zlib

Now, run the following commands in sequence to compile, and install zlib on your system:

make
sudo make install

The ./configure command generates the necessary Makefile based on your system’s configuration, while the make command compiles the Zlib source code. Finally, the “sudo make install” command installs the compiled Zlib library and header files to the appropriate locations on your system.

Conclusion

Installing zlib on your Ubuntu system through either the default repository or by compiling the source archive offers a reliable way to access this essential compression library. The repository method provides ease of installation and stability, while compiling from source allows you to benefit from the latest features and performance improvements. Regularly updating zlib, particularly if compiled from source, ensures your system remains equipped with the best compression tools available, enabling efficient data handling across various applications on Ubuntu.

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using zlib:

• zlib Official Website: Visit the official zlib website for general information, download options, and the latest updates.
• zlib Manual: Access the zlib manual for comprehensive documentation on using and configuring zlib.
• zlib How-to Guide: Explore guides for practical instructions and examples on using zlib in your projects.
• zlib GitHub Releases: Check out the latest zlib releases on GitHub to download the most recent versions and view release notes.
• zlib GitHub Wiki: Visit the zlib GitHub wiki for additional documentation, tutorials, and community-contributed content.