In linux using TAR, why do you need C when Extracting, but you do not when compressing?

Question

for example:
Compressing
tar -cvf $HOME/etc.backup.tar  /tmp/data
There is no -C needed

Extracting
tar -xvf $HOME/etc.backup.tar -C /tmp/data/
Notice how you need the -C in between.

What is the logical process behind this? Also, why does the input location in the command line changes from right to left when compressing, meaning: tar -cvf $HOME/etc.backup.tar  /tmp/data ........ the /tmp/data, the second location in the command line is the input and $HOME/etc.backup.tar , the first input is the output.... then when extracting it is vice versa?

inclusive_disjunction · Answer

You're completely wrong, on all counts. First, when compressing, -C is a valid option. It is used to add files or from another directory to the archive. For example

tar -cvf $/HOME/etc.backup.tar /tmp/data -C /etc passwd

Second, when extracting, -C is only used if you want to extract it in a directory other than the current working directory. The following:

tar -xvf $HOME/etc.backup.tar

will extract the contents of the tar file in the current working directory.

The input and output being reversed is common sense, since extracting is the opposite of compressing. You must be really bad at parking.

In linux using TAR, why do you need C when Extracting, but you do not when compressing?

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