# Zlib 1.3.1

Zlib is a massively used software library written in C that implements the deflate compression method found in gzip and PKZIP. It is designed to be a free, general-purpose, legally unencumbered lossless data-compression library for use on virtually any computer hardware and operating system.

## Features

- Provides in-memory compression and decompression functions
- Implements the deflate compression algorithm used in gzip and PKZIP
- Includes integrity checking of the uncompressed data
- Portable across different platforms and architectures
- Thread-safe when used with appropriate precautions
- Designed for minimal memory footprint

## Common Applications

Zlib is used by numerous software applications and systems including:
- File compression utilities
- Network protocols (HTTP compression)
- Database systems
- Graphics file formats (PNG)
- Software distribution systems
- Virtualization platforms

## Technical Details

This package provides the shared library `libz.so` which contains the compression and decompression functions. The library follows the standard C calling conventions and provides a simple API for integrating compression capabilities into applications.

The zlib library is distributed under a permissive license that allows its use in both open-source and proprietary software without licensing restrictions.