GNU bug report logs - #79414
the ratio output by "gzip -l" is less than 0

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From: help-debbugs <at> gnu.org (GNU bug Tracking System)
To: shi xuantong <sxt1001 <at> outlook.com>
Subject: bug#79414: closed (Re: bug#79414: the ratio output by "gzip -l"
 is less than 0)
Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:06:04 +0000

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Your bug report

#79414: the ratio output by "gzip -l" is less than 0

which was filed against the gzip package, has been closed.

The explanation is attached below, along with your original report.
If you require more details, please reply to 79414 <at> debbugs.gnu.org.

-- 
79414: https://debbugs.gnu.org/cgi/bugreport.cgi?bug=79414
GNU Bug Tracking System
Contact help-debbugs <at> gnu.org with problems

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From: Paul Eggert <eggert <at> cs.ucla.edu>
To: shi xuantong <sxt1001 <at> outlook.com>
Cc: 79414-done <at> debbugs.gnu.org
Subject: Re: bug#79414: the ratio output by "gzip -l" is less than 0
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2025 11:05:03 -0700

A negative compression ratio is correct when gzip's compressed output is 
larger than its input.

Arguably gzip should output "-Inf%" when the input is empty and the 
compressed output is not. But that's a mere nicety.

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From: shi xuantong <sxt1001 <at> outlook.com>
To: "bug-gzip <at> gnu.org" <bug-gzip <at> gnu.org>
Subject: the ratio output by "gzip -l" is less than 0
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2025 15:02:50 +0000

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gzip's version: 1.14
OS: openEuler
compiler:gcc-12.3.1

Reproduce steps:
echo "hiasdastysjdoyiojsad7saihdsd08y8768r" | gzip >> a.gz
gzip -l a.gz

result:

[cid:b070a7f1-da0a-4210-82e6-bd96683273d1]

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[image.png (image/png, inline)]

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