---
id: inflate64
version: "1.0.4"
license: LGPL-2.1-or-later
license_treatment: copyleft
maintenance: aging
---

# inflate64 — deflate64 compression/decompression library

License: copyleft · Maintenance: aging · Downloads: 9.1M/mo

## What it is and what it does

inflate64 is a Python compression library that implements the Enhanced Deflate algorithm (also known as DEFLATE64, a PKWARE trademark) for both compression and decompression. It exposes two main classes: Inflater for decompressing data and Deflater for compressing data, each with straightforward method calls to perform their respective operations.

The package is a compiled extension (wheels available for macOS, Linux, Windows across multiple architectures and Python versions 3.9–3.14) with no runtime dependencies. It targets developers who need to work with DEFLATE64-compressed data, particularly in contexts where standard deflate is insufficient or where compatibility with PKWARE tools is required.

Use it for:

- Decompress DEFLATE64-compressed archives or data streams from PKWARE tools or compatible sources
- Compress data using Enhanced Deflate when standard deflate compression is inadequate or interoperability with DEFLATE64 systems is needed
- Build archival or backup utilities that must handle DEFLATE64-compressed files
- Integrate DEFLATE64 support into data processing pipelines where zlib alone is insufficient

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Provides Deflater and Inflater classes to compress and decompress data using the Enhanced Deflate (DEFLATE64) compression algorithm.

Yes, if you specifically need DEFLATE64 compression/decompression and can accept the copyleft license terms. The package is stable, supports current Python versions, has no known vulnerabilities, and carries minimal dependencies. However, aging maintenance (last commit November 2025, low activity) means security updates or bug fixes may be slow; evaluate whether standard zlib meets your needs first.

## Install

pip install inflate64
uv add inflate64
poetry add inflate64

## Installing inflate64

Before you install: Medium install friction due to compiled wheels for multiple platforms and Python versions (3.9–3.14). Repository shows aging maintenance with last commit in November 2025 and minimal activity (2 stars), though the package remains in Production/Stable status.

License in practice: Licensed under LGPL-2.1-or-later (copyleft). You must disclose source code modifications and make the library available under the same license if you distribute derivative works; proprietary use requires careful compliance review.

Quickstart:

pip install inflate64

import inflate64

# Decompress
decompressor = inflate64.Inflater()
extracted = decompressor.inflate(compressed_data)

# Compress
compressor = inflate64.Deflater()
compressed = compressor.deflate(data)
compressed += compressor.flush()

Requires Python 3.9 or later; compiled wheels are provided for common platforms (macOS, Linux, Windows) and architectures.

Verify before relying:

- Whether Enhanced Deflate (DEFLATE64) compatibility extends to all PKWARE-generated DEFLATE64 archives or only a subset
- Performance characteristics compared to standard zlib or other deflate implementations
- Whether the package handles streaming compression/decompression or only batch operations

## Package facts

- License: LGPL-2.1-or-later (copyleft)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: medium
- Maintenance: aging
- Downloads: 9.1M/month (top 5,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

deflate64 compression, enhanced deflate library, deflate decompression python, data compression inflater, deflate64 python, compression decompression library, compression, deflate64, archival

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/inflate64) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/inflate64/)