What is the etymology behind "-j" indicating bzip2 for tar?
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3There probably isn't a specific reason for why `-j` was used. `-b` and `-B` were already taken, so all obvious choices were impossible. Maybe it's because bzip2's developer is Julian Seward... – Dennis Jun 26 '12 at 01:12
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Hi Max, welcome to SU - here is the [faq]. While this is a computer related question, it is off topic to post questions inviting discussions or otherwise don't have a technical solution. – Paul Jun 26 '12 at 01:20
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2@Paul Do you know of any stackexchange sites that would be appropriate for this question? – Max Nanasy Jun 26 '12 at 01:21
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@MaxNanasy: In any case, this is a question that only the people involved in the decision can answer con authority. You could try the [GNU tar mailing list](http://www.gnu.org/software/tar/#maillists). – Dennis Jun 26 '12 at 01:24
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Sorry @MaxNanasy I don't. The switch was introduced in 2000 by Paul Eggert. Perhaps he is still around to ask? http://cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/tar/tar/ChangeLog?view=markup&content-type=text%2Fvnd.viewcvs-markup&revision=1.97 – Paul Jun 26 '12 at 01:27