In the realm of performance evaluation for file compression programs, the significance of standardized test files cannot be overstated. These files serve as benchmarks, allowing for consistent and objective assessments of compression algorithms across various data types and formats. Let’s delve into the specifics of the test files utilized in this comprehensive evaluation:

  1. Bitmap File (BMP) – bmp-test.rar (803 Kb): This file encapsulates the characteristics of bitmap images, a common format for storing digital images. With a size of 803 Kb, it presents a representative sample of uncompressed image data.
  2. Dynamic Link Library (DLL) – dll-test.rar (1814 Kb): Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) are essential components of Windows operating systems, containing code and resources used by multiple programs. This 1814 Kb file provides a standardized measure for assessing compression performance on executable code and associated resources.
  3. MS Word (DOC) – doc-test.rar (788 Kb): The DOC file format, synonymous with Microsoft Word documents, represents a ubiquitous form of textual data. With a size of 788 Kb, this file enables the evaluation of compression algorithms on word processing documents.
  4. Executable (EXE) – exe-test.rar (1346 Kb): Executable files, denoted by the EXE extension, comprise program code and resources necessary for application execution. This 1346 Kb file offers insights into compression efficiency when handling executable binaries.
  5. Windows Help (HLP) – hlp-test.rar (655 Kb): Windows Help files, characterized by the HLP extension, provide assistance and documentation within the Windows operating environment. At 655 Kb, this file serves as a standard reference for evaluating compression performance on help documentation.
  6. JPEG Image (JPG) – jpg-test.zip (822 Kb): JPEG is a widely used image compression format, renowned for its ability to achieve high compression ratios while maintaining visual quality. This 822 Kb file represents JPEG image data, enabling assessment of compression algorithms on photographic content.
  7. Logfile (LOG) – log-test.rar (655 Kb): Logfiles, containing chronological records of system events or user actions, represent a crucial aspect of system administration and troubleshooting. With a size of 655 Kb, this file facilitates evaluation of compression effectiveness on textual log data.
  8. Adobe Acrobat Document (PDF) – pdf-test.zip (3744 Kb): PDF files, synonymous with Adobe Acrobat documents, encapsulate textual and graphical content in a portable format. This 3744 Kb file offers a standardized measure for assessing compression performance on complex document structures.
  9. Alphabetically Sorted Word-List (DICT) – sorted-test.zip (1026 Kb): Alphabetically sorted word-lists serve various linguistic and computational purposes, often used in spell-checking algorithms and database operations. At 1026 Kb, this file provides a benchmark for evaluating compression algorithms on structured textual data.
  10. English Text (TXT) – text-test.rar (454 Kb): Plain text files, devoid of formatting or embedded objects, represent the simplest form of textual data. This 454 Kb file enables assessment of compression algorithms on raw text content.

Additionally, all ten test files are consolidated into a single 7zip-archive named full_testset.7z, totaling 11660 Kb in size. This comprehensive archive facilitates holistic evaluations and comparisons across multiple data types and formats, providing invaluable insights into the performance of compression programs across diverse scenarios.