diff --git a/patoolib/__init__.py b/patoolib/__init__.py
index 068c2b2..76fe3d7 100644
--- a/patoolib/__init__.py
+++ b/patoolib/__init__.py
@@ -26,9 +26,9 @@ ArchiveFormats = ('7z', 'ace', 'alzip', 'ar', 'arc', 'arj', 'bzip2',
     'cab', 'compress', 'cpio', 'deb', 'dms', 'gzip', 'lrzip', 'lzh', 'lzip', 'lzma',
     'lzop', 'rar', 'rpm', 'rzip', 'tar', 'xz', 'zip', 'zoo')
 
-# Supported encodings (used with tar for example)
-# Note that all encodings must also be archive formats
-ArchiveEncodings = ('bzip2', 'compress', 'gzip', 'lzip', 'lzma', 'xz')
+# Supported compressions (used with tar for example)
+# Note that all compressions must also be archive formats
+ArchiveCompressions = ('bzip2', 'compress', 'gzip', 'lzip', 'lzma', 'xz')
 
 # Map MIME types to archive format
 ArchiveMimetypes = {
@@ -65,9 +65,9 @@ ArchiveMimetypes = {
     'application/x-dms': 'dms',
 }
 
-# List of programs supporting the given encoding
+# List of programs supporting the given compression
 
-EncodingPrograms = {
+CompressionPrograms = {
     'gzip': ('pigz', 'gzip'),
     'bzip2': ('pbzip2', 'lbzip2', 'bzip2'),
     'compress': ('compress',),
@@ -215,26 +215,26 @@ ProgramModules = {
 
 
 def get_archive_format (filename):
-    """Detect filename archive format and optional encoding."""
-    mime, encoding = util.guess_mime(filename)
-    if not (mime or encoding):
+    """Detect filename archive format and optional compression."""
+    mime, compression = util.guess_mime(filename)
+    if not (mime or compression):
         raise util.PatoolError("unknown archive format for file `%s'" % filename)
     if mime in ArchiveMimetypes:
         format = ArchiveMimetypes[mime]
     else:
         raise util.PatoolError("unknown archive format for file `%s' (mime-type is `%s')" % (filename, mime))
-    if format == encoding:
-        # file cannot be in same format encoded
-        encoding = None
-    return format, encoding
+    if format == compression:
+        # file cannot be in same format compressed
+        compression = None
+    return format, compression
 
 
-def check_archive_format (format, encoding):
-    """Make sure format and encoding is known."""
+def check_archive_format (format, compression):
+    """Make sure format and compression is known."""
     if format not in ArchiveFormats:
         raise util.PatoolError("unknown archive format `%s'" % format)
-    if encoding is not None and encoding not in ArchiveEncodings:
-        raise util.PatoolError("unkonwn archive encoding `%s'" % encoding)
+    if compression is not None and compression not in ArchiveCompressions:
+        raise util.PatoolError("unkonwn archive compression `%s'" % compression)
 
 
 def check_archive_command (command):
@@ -264,16 +264,16 @@ def find_archive_program (format, command):
     raise util.PatoolError("could not find an executable program to %s format %s; candidates are (%s)," % (command, format, ",".join(programs)))
 
 
-def find_encoding_program (program, encoding):
-    """Find suitable encoding program and return it. Returns None if
-    no encoding program could be found"""
+def find_compression_program (program, compression):
+    """Find suitable compression program and return it. Returns None if
+    no compression program could be found"""
     if program in ('tar', 'star'):
-        for enc_program in EncodingPrograms[encoding]:
+        for enc_program in CompressionPrograms[compression]:
             found = util.find_program(enc_program)
             if found:
                 return found
     elif program == 'pytarfile':
-        return encoding in ('gzip', 'bzip2')
+        return compression in ('gzip', 'bzip2')
     return None
 
 
@@ -290,9 +290,9 @@ def list_formats ():
                 program = find_archive_program(format, command)
                 print "   %8s: %s" % (command, program),
                 if format == 'tar':
-                    encs = [x for x in ArchiveEncodings if util.find_program(x)]
+                    encs = [x for x in ArchiveCompressions if util.find_program(x)]
                     if encs:
-                        print "(supported encodings: %s)" % ", ".join(encs),
+                        print "(supported compressions: %s)" % ", ".join(encs),
                 elif format == '7z':
                     if util.p7zip_supports_rar():
                         print "(rar archives supported)",
@@ -317,10 +317,10 @@ def clean_config_keys (kwargs):
     return config_kwargs
 
 
-def parse_config (archive, format, encoding, command, **kwargs):
+def parse_config (archive, format, compression, command, **kwargs):
     """The configuration determines which program to use for which
     archive format for the given command.
-    @raises: PatoolError if command for given format and encoding
+    @raises: PatoolError if command for given format and compression
        is not supported.
     """
     config = {
@@ -335,9 +335,9 @@ def parse_config (archive, format, encoding, command, **kwargs):
                     value = program
             config[key] = value
     program = os.path.basename(config['program'])
-    if encoding and not find_encoding_program(program, encoding):
-        msg = "cannot %s archive `%s': encoding `%s' not supported by %s" % \
-              (command, archive, encoding, program)
+    if compression and not find_compression_program(program, compression):
+        msg = "cannot %s archive `%s': compression `%s' not supported by %s" % \
+              (command, archive, compression, program)
         raise util.PatoolError(msg)
     return config
 
@@ -427,13 +427,13 @@ def check_archive_arguments (archive, command, *args):
 def _handle_archive (archive, command, *args, **kwargs):
     """Handle archive command; raising PatoolError on errors."""
     check_archive_arguments(archive, command, *args)
-    format, encoding = kwargs.get("format"), kwargs.get("encoding")
+    format, compression = kwargs.get("format"), kwargs.get("compression")
     if format is None:
-        format, encoding = get_archive_format(archive)
-    check_archive_format(format, encoding)
+        format, compression = get_archive_format(archive)
+    check_archive_format(format, compression)
     check_archive_command(command)
     config_kwargs = clean_config_keys(kwargs)
-    config = parse_config(archive, format, encoding, command, **config_kwargs)
+    config = parse_config(archive, format, compression, command, **config_kwargs)
     # check if archive already exists
     if command == 'create' and os.path.exists(archive):
         raise util.PatoolError("archive `%s' already exists" % archive)
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ def _handle_archive (archive, command, *args, **kwargs):
         origarchive = archive
         archive = util.tmpfile(dir=os.path.dirname(archive), suffix=".arc")
     try:
-        cmdlist = get_archive_cmdlist(archive, encoding, program, *args, **cmd_kwargs)
+        cmdlist = get_archive_cmdlist(archive, compression, program, *args, **cmd_kwargs)
         if cmdlist:
             # an empty command list means the get_archive_cmdlist() function
             # already handled the command (eg. when it's a builting Python
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/__init__.py b/patoolib/programs/__init__.py
index 31cc0fc..479b57f 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/__init__.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/__init__.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 from patoolib import util
 
-def extract_singlefile_standard (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_singlefile_standard (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Standard routine to extract a singlefile archive (like gzip)."""
     cmdlist = [util.shell_quote(cmd)]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ def extract_singlefile_standard (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return (cmdlist, {'shell': True})
 
 
-def test_singlefile_standard (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_singlefile_standard (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Standard routine to test a singlefile archive (like gzip)."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ def test_singlefile_standard (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return cmdlist
 
 
-def create_singlefile_standard (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_singlefile_standard (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Standard routine to create a singlefile archive (like gzip)."""
     cmdlist = [util.shell_quote(cmd)]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/ar.py b/patoolib/programs/ar.py
index 51fadc9..7e942df 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/ar.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/ar.py
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the ar program."""
 
-def extract_ar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_ar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a AR archive."""
     opts = 'x'
     if kwargs['verbose']:
         opts += 'v'
     return [cmd, opts, archive, kwargs['outdir']]
 
-def list_ar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_ar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a AR archive."""
     opts = 't'
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ def list_ar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
 
 test_ar = list_ar
 
-def create_ar (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_ar (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a AR archive."""
     opts = 'rc'
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/arc.py b/patoolib/programs/arc.py
index f9d4cb0..b2d87d8 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/arc.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/arc.py
@@ -16,14 +16,14 @@
 """Archive commands for the arc program."""
 import os
 
-def extract_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_arc (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ARC archive."""
     # Since extracted files will be placed in the current directory,
     # the cwd argument has to be the output directory.
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'x', os.path.abspath(archive)]
     return (cmdlist, {'cwd': kwargs['outdir']})
 
-def list_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_arc (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a ARC archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -33,11 +33,11 @@ def list_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.append(archive)
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_arc (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a ARC archive."""
     return [cmd, 't', archive]
 
-def create_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_arc (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a ARC archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'a', archive]
     cmdlist.extend(args)
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/arj.py b/patoolib/programs/arj.py
index 89ab343..99bcfbd 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/arj.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/arj.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the arj program."""
 
-def extract_arj (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_arj (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ARJ archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'x', '-r', '-y']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def extract_arj (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return cmdlist
 
 
-def list_arj (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_arj (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a ARJ archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ def list_arj (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return cmdlist
 
 
-def test_arj (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_arj (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a ARJ archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 't']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def test_arj (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return cmdlist
 
 
-def create_arj (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_arj (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a ARJ archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'a', '-r', '-y']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/bzip2.py b/patoolib/programs/bzip2.py
index 9d3bed7..263ead5 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/bzip2.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/bzip2.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ from patoolib.programs import extract_singlefile_standard, \
 extract_bzip2 = extract_singlefile_standard
 test_bzip2 = test_singlefile_standard
 
-def create_bzip2 (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_bzip2 (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a BZIP2 archive."""
     cmdlist = [util.shell_quote(cmd)]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/cabextract.py b/patoolib/programs/cabextract.py
index a7dc602..52dd2a4 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/cabextract.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/cabextract.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the cabextract program."""
 
-def extract_cab (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_cab (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a CAB archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-d', kwargs['outdir']]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def extract_cab (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.append(archive)
     return cmdlist
 
-def list_cab (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_cab (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a CAB archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-l']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -31,6 +31,6 @@ def list_cab (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.append(archive)
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_cab (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_cab (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a CAB archive."""
     return [cmd, '-t', archive]
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/compress.py b/patoolib/programs/compress.py
index f22d94a..ac8b96c 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/compress.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/compress.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from patoolib import util
 
 
-def create_compress (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_compress (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a compressed archive."""
     cmdlist = [util.shell_quote(cmd)]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/cpio.py b/patoolib/programs/cpio.py
index 086aca4..a697bc4 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/cpio.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/cpio.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 import os
 from patoolib import util
 
-def extract_cpio (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_cpio (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a CPIO archive."""
     cmdlist = [util.shell_quote(cmd), '--extract', '--make-directories',
         '--preserve-modification-time', '--no-absolute-filenames',
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def extract_cpio (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return (cmdlist, {'cwd': kwargs['outdir'], 'shell': True})
 
 
-def list_cpio (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_cpio (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a CPIO archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-t']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def list_cpio (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
 
 test_cpio = list_cpio
 
-def create_cpio(archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_cpio(archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a CPIO archive."""
     cmdlist = [util.shell_quote(cmd), '--create']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/dpkg.py b/patoolib/programs/dpkg.py
index 6e05f49..ce8d110 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/dpkg.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/dpkg.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the dpkg-deb program."""
 
-def extract_deb (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_deb (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a DEB archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ def extract_deb (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', archive, kwargs['outdir']])
     return cmdlist
 
-def list_deb (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_deb (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a DEB archive."""
     return [cmd, '--contents', '--', archive]
 
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/echo.py b/patoolib/programs/echo.py
index 2966cfb..97802d7 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/echo.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/echo.py
@@ -18,31 +18,31 @@ statement."""
 from patoolib import util
 
 
-def list_bzip2 (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_bzip2 (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a BZIP2 archive."""
     return stripext(cmd, archive)
 
-def list_compress (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_compress (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a compress archive."""
     return stripext(cmd, archive)
 
-def list_lzma (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_lzma (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a LZMA archive."""
     return stripext(cmd, archive)
 
-def list_xz (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_xz (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a XZ archive."""
     return stripext(cmd, archive)
 
-def list_lzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_lzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a LZIP archive."""
     return stripext(cmd, archive)
 
-def list_lrzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_lrzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a LRZIP archive."""
     return stripext(cmd, archive)
 
-def list_rzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_rzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a RZIP archive."""
     return stripext(cmd, archive)
 
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/gzip.py b/patoolib/programs/gzip.py
index 32e0624..781f0e1 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/gzip.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/gzip.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ extract_gzip = extract_compress = extract_singlefile_standard
 test_gzip = test_compress = test_singlefile_standard
 create_gzip = create_singlefile_standard
 
-def list_gzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_gzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a GZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/lha.py b/patoolib/programs/lha.py
index e93982d..247471a 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/lha.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/lha.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the lha program."""
 
-def extract_lzh (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_lzh (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a LZH archive."""
     opts = 'x'
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def extract_lzh (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     opts += "w=%s" % kwargs['outdir']
     return [cmd, opts, archive]
 
-def list_lzh (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_lzh (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a LZH archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -33,14 +33,14 @@ def list_lzh (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.append(archive)
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_lzh (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_lzh (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a LZH archive."""
     opts = 't'
     if kwargs['verbose']:
         opts += 'v'
     return [cmd, opts, archive]
 
-def create_lzh (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_lzh (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a LZH archive."""
     opts = 'a'
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/lrzip.py b/patoolib/programs/lrzip.py
index 9cd8962..da72bd2 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/lrzip.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/lrzip.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 import os
 from patoolib import util
 
-def extract_lrzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_lrzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a LRZIP archive."""
     # Since extracted files will be placed in the current directory,
     # the cwd argument has to be the output directory.
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def extract_lrzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(["-o", outfile, os.path.abspath(archive)])
     return (cmdlist, {'cwd': kwargs['outdir']})
 
-def test_lrzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_lrzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a LRZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-t']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ def test_lrzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.append(archive)
     return cmdlist
 
-def create_lrzip (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_lrzip (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a LRZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-o', archive]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/lzop.py b/patoolib/programs/lzop.py
index 73745c5..ed4c34e 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/lzop.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/lzop.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ from patoolib.programs import extract_singlefile_standard
 extract_lzop = extract_singlefile_standard
 
 
-def list_lzop (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_lzop (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a LZOP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '--list']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def list_lzop (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', archive])
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_lzop (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_lzop (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a LZOP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '--test']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ def test_lzop (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', archive])
     return cmdlist
 
-def create_lzop (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_lzop (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a LZOP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/nomarch.py b/patoolib/programs/nomarch.py
index 42893aa..40ced0b 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/nomarch.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/nomarch.py
@@ -16,14 +16,14 @@
 """Archive commands for the nomarch program."""
 import os
 
-def extract_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_arc (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ARC archive."""
     # Since extracted files will be placed in the current directory,
     # the cwd argument has to be the output directory.
     cmdlist = [cmd, os.path.abspath(archive)]
     return (cmdlist, {'cwd': kwargs['outdir']})
 
-def list_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_arc (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a ARC archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-l']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -31,6 +31,6 @@ def list_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.append(archive)
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_arc (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_arc (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a ARC archive."""
     return [cmd, '-t', archive]
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/orange.py b/patoolib/programs/orange.py
index 294f1a7..f0e833b 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/orange.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/orange.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the orange program."""
 
-def extract_cab (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_cab (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a CAB archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-d', kwargs['outdir']]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/p7zip.py b/patoolib/programs/p7zip.py
index ce949d9..1a38380 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/p7zip.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/p7zip.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the 7z program."""
 
-def extract_7z (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_7z (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a 7z archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'x']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ extract_bzip2 = \
   extract_deb = \
   extract_7z
 
-def list_7z (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_7z (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a 7z archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'l']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ list_bzip2 = \
   list_7z
 
 
-def test_7z (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_7z (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a 7z archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 't']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ test_bzip2 = \
   test_7z
 
 
-def create_7z (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_7z (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a 7z archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'a']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/pybz2.py b/patoolib/programs/pybz2.py
index c51ee69..6e1ccd9 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/pybz2.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/pybz2.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ except ImportError:
 
 READ_SIZE_BYTES = 1024*1024
 
-def extract_bzip2 (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_bzip2 (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a BZIP2 archive with the bz2 Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     outdir = kwargs['outdir']
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def extract_bzip2 (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return None
 
 
-def create_bzip2 (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_bzip2 (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a BZIP2 archive with the bz2 Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     if verbose:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/pygzip.py b/patoolib/programs/pygzip.py
index b1be022..1e2bdee 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/pygzip.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/pygzip.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ from patoolib import util
 
 READ_SIZE_BYTES = 1024*1024
 
-def extract_gzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_gzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a GZIP archive with the gzip Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     outdir = kwargs['outdir']
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def extract_gzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return None
 
 
-def create_gzip (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_gzip (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a GZIP archive with the gzip Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     if verbose:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/pytarfile.py b/patoolib/programs/pytarfile.py
index ce80b5b..dea8f12 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/pytarfile.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/pytarfile.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import tarfile
 READ_SIZE_BYTES = 1024*1024
 
 
-def list_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_tar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a TAR archive with the tarfile Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     if verbose:
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def list_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
 
 test_tar = list_tar
 
-def extract_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_tar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a TAR archive with the tarfile Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     outdir = kwargs['outdir']
@@ -51,12 +51,12 @@ def extract_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return None
 
 
-def create_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_tar (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a TAR archive with the tarfile Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     if verbose:
         util.log_info('creating %s...' % archive)
-    mode = get_tar_mode(encoding)
+    mode = get_tar_mode(compression)
     tfile = tarfile.open(archive, mode)
     try:
         for filename in args:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/pyzipfile.py b/patoolib/programs/pyzipfile.py
index 8955679..f658a5c 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/pyzipfile.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/pyzipfile.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import zipfile
 READ_SIZE_BYTES = 1024*1024
 
 
-def list_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_zip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List member of a ZIP archive with the zipfile Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     if verbose:
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ def list_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
 
 test_zip = list_zip
 
-def extract_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_zip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ZIP archive with the zipfile Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     outdir = kwargs['outdir']
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ def extract_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return None
 
 
-def create_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_zip (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a ZIP archive with the zipfile Python module."""
     verbose = kwargs['verbose']
     if verbose:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/rar.py b/patoolib/programs/rar.py
index 04da2c1..e240a40 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/rar.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/rar.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 """Archive commands for the rar program."""
 import os
 
-def extract_rar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_rar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a RAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'x']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def extract_rar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', os.path.abspath(archive)])
     return (cmdlist, {'cwd': kwargs['outdir']})
 
-def list_rar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_rar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a RAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ def list_rar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', archive])
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_rar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_rar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a RAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 't']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ def test_rar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', archive])
     return cmdlist
 
-def create_rar (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_rar (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a RAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'a']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/rpm.py b/patoolib/programs/rpm.py
index ce318b4..a87f157 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/rpm.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/rpm.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the rpm program."""
 
-def list_rpm (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_rpm (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a RPM archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-q', '-l']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def list_rpm (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['-p', '--', archive])
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_rpm (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_rpm (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a RPM archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'V']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/rpm2cpio.py b/patoolib/programs/rpm2cpio.py
index cd00e78..054339b 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/rpm2cpio.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/rpm2cpio.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 import os
 from patoolib import util
 
-def extract_rpm (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_rpm (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a RPM archive."""
     # also check cpio
     cpio = util.find_program("cpio")
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/rzip.py b/patoolib/programs/rzip.py
index f5f5035..8ee56f8 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/rzip.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/rzip.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 import os
 from patoolib import util
 
-def extract_rzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_rzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a RZIP archive."""
     # Since extracted files will be placed in the current directory,
     # the cwd argument has to be the output directory.
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def extract_rzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(["-o", outfile, os.path.abspath(archive)])
     return (cmdlist, {'cwd': kwargs['outdir']})
 
-def create_rzip (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_rzip (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a RZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-k', '-o', archive]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/star.py b/patoolib/programs/star.py
index ea72ccc..7e0915a 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/star.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/star.py
@@ -15,42 +15,42 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the star program."""
 
-def extract_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_tar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a TAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-x']
-    add_star_opts(cmdlist, encoding, kwargs['verbose'])
+    add_star_opts(cmdlist, compression, kwargs['verbose'])
     cmdlist.extend(['-C', kwargs['outdir'], 'file=%s' % archive])
     return cmdlist
 
-def list_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_tar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a TAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-n']
-    add_star_opts(cmdlist, encoding, kwargs['verbose'])
+    add_star_opts(cmdlist, compression, kwargs['verbose'])
     cmdlist.append("file=%s" % archive)
     return cmdlist
 
 test_tar = list_tar
 
-def create_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_tar (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a TAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-c']
-    add_star_opts(cmdlist, encoding, kwargs['verbose'])
+    add_star_opts(cmdlist, compression, kwargs['verbose'])
     cmdlist.append("file=%s" % archive)
     cmdlist.extend(args)
     return cmdlist
 
-def add_star_opts (cmdlist, encoding, verbose):
+def add_star_opts (cmdlist, compression, verbose):
     """Add default options for the star program."""
-    # Note that star autodetects encoding compression, but displays a warning
+    # Note that star autodetects compression compression, but displays a warning
     # which we want to avoid.
-    if encoding == 'gzip':
+    if compression == 'gzip':
         cmdlist.append('-z')
-    elif encoding == 'compress':
+    elif compression == 'compress':
         cmdlist.append('-Z')
-    elif encoding == 'bzip2':
+    elif compression == 'bzip2':
         cmdlist.append('-bz')
-    elif encoding in ('lzma', 'xz', 'lzip'):
+    elif compression in ('lzma', 'xz', 'lzip'):
         # use compress-program option
-        cmdlist.append('compress-program=%s' % encoding)
+        cmdlist.append('compress-program=%s' % compression)
     if verbose:
         cmdlist.append('-v')
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/tar.py b/patoolib/programs/tar.py
index 48a589f..462c8c3 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/tar.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/tar.py
@@ -15,35 +15,35 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the GNU tar program."""
 
-def extract_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_tar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a TAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '--extract']
-    add_tar_opts(cmdlist, encoding, kwargs['verbose'])
+    add_tar_opts(cmdlist, compression, kwargs['verbose'])
     cmdlist.extend(["--file", archive, '--directory', kwargs['outdir']])
     return cmdlist
 
-def list_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_tar (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a TAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '--list']
-    add_tar_opts(cmdlist, encoding, kwargs['verbose'])
+    add_tar_opts(cmdlist, compression, kwargs['verbose'])
     cmdlist.extend(["--file", archive])
     return cmdlist
 
 test_tar = list_tar
 
-def create_tar (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_tar (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a TAR archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '--create']
-    add_tar_opts(cmdlist, encoding, kwargs['verbose'])
+    add_tar_opts(cmdlist, compression, kwargs['verbose'])
     cmdlist.extend(["--file", archive, '--'])
     cmdlist.extend(args)
     return cmdlist
 
-def add_tar_opts (cmdlist, encoding, verbose):
-    if encoding == 'lzip':
+def add_tar_opts (cmdlist, compression, verbose):
+    if compression == 'lzip':
         # use compress-program option
-        cmdlist.extend(['--use-compress-program', encoding])
-    elif encoding:
-        cmdlist.append('--%s' % encoding)
+        cmdlist.extend(['--use-compress-program', compression])
+    elif compression:
+        cmdlist.append('--%s' % compression)
     if verbose:
         cmdlist.append('--verbose')
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/unace.py b/patoolib/programs/unace.py
index 6adb240..74b2473 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/unace.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/unace.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the unace program."""
 
-def extract_ace (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_ace (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ACE archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 'x']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def extract_ace (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend([archive, kwargs['outdir']])
     return cmdlist
 
-def list_ace (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_ace (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a ACE archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def list_ace (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.append(archive)
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_ace (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_ace (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a ACE archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, 't']
     if not kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/unalz.py b/patoolib/programs/unalz.py
index dbdcd6a..c230b1b 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/unalz.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/unalz.py
@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the unalz program."""
 
-def extract_alzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_alzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ALZIP archive."""
     return [cmd, '-d', kwargs['outdir'], archive]
 
 
-def list_alzip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_alzip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a ALZIP archive."""
     return [cmd, '-l', archive]
 
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/uncompress.py b/patoolib/programs/uncompress.py
index 6a3ffd0..2b535ed 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/uncompress.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/uncompress.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from patoolib import util
 
 
-def extract_compress (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_compress (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a compressed archive."""
     cmdlist = [util.shell_quote(cmd)]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/unzip.py b/patoolib/programs/unzip.py
index 6995e1f..b634b97 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/unzip.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/unzip.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the unzip program."""
 
-def extract_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_zip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def extract_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', archive, '-d', kwargs['outdir']])
     return cmdlist
 
-def list_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_zip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a ZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-l']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ def list_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     cmdlist.extend(['--', archive])
     return cmdlist
 
-def test_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_zip (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a ZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-t']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/xdms.py b/patoolib/programs/xdms.py
index ec7d2af..e736dc5 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/xdms.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/xdms.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from patoolib import util
 
 
-def extract_dms (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_dms (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a DMS archive."""
     check_archive_ext(archive)
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-d', kwargs['outdir']]
@@ -27,13 +27,13 @@ def extract_dms (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return cmdlist
 
 
-def list_dms (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_dms (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a DMS archive."""
     check_archive_ext(archive)
     return [cmd, 'v', archive]
 
 
-def test_dms (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_dms (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a DMS archive."""
     check_archive_ext(archive)
     return [cmd, 't', archive]
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/xz.py b/patoolib/programs/xz.py
index 88aeaac..f90fb14 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/xz.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/xz.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ extract_xz = extract_singlefile_standard
 test_xz = test_singlefile_standard
 create_xz = create_singlefile_standard
 
-def list_xz (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_xz (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a XZ archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd]
     cmdlist.append('-l')
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/zip.py b/patoolib/programs/zip.py
index 025d22c..432f73e 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/zip.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/zip.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """Archive commands for the zip program."""
 
-def create_zip (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_zip (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a ZIP archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-r']
     if kwargs['verbose']:
diff --git a/patoolib/programs/zoo.py b/patoolib/programs/zoo.py
index 20e4354..97b4ab4 100644
--- a/patoolib/programs/zoo.py
+++ b/patoolib/programs/zoo.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 """Archive commands for the zoo program."""
 import os
 
-def extract_zoo (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def extract_zoo (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Extract a ZOO archive."""
     # Since extracted files will be placed in the current directory,
     # the cwd argument has to be the output directory.
@@ -24,17 +24,17 @@ def extract_zoo (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
     return (cmdlist, {'cwd': kwargs['outdir']})
 
 
-def list_zoo (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def list_zoo (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """List a ZOO archive."""
     return [cmd, '-list', archive]
 
 
-def test_zoo (archive, encoding, cmd, **kwargs):
+def test_zoo (archive, compression, cmd, **kwargs):
     """Test a ZOO archive."""
     return [cmd, '-test', archive]
 
 
-def create_zoo (archive, encoding, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+def create_zoo (archive, compression, cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     """Create a ZOO archive."""
     cmdlist = [cmd, '-add', archive]
     cmdlist.extend(args)
diff --git a/patoolib/util.py b/patoolib/util.py
index f362c48..395f30c 100644
--- a/patoolib/util.py
+++ b/patoolib/util.py
@@ -143,8 +143,8 @@ def guess_mime_mimedb (filename):
     @return: tuple (mime, encoding)
     """
     mime, encoding = mimedb.guess_type(filename, strict=False)
-    from patoolib import ArchiveMimetypes, ArchiveEncodings
-    if mime not in ArchiveMimetypes and encoding in ArchiveEncodings:
+    from patoolib import ArchiveMimetypes, ArchiveCompressions
+    if mime not in ArchiveMimetypes and encoding in ArchiveCompressions:
         # Files like 't.txt.gz' are recognized with encoding as format, and
         # an unsupported mime-type like 'text/plain'. Fix this.
         mime = Encoding2Mime[encoding]
diff --git a/tests/__init__.py b/tests/__init__.py
index 0e63f7b..14ae689 100644
--- a/tests/__init__.py
+++ b/tests/__init__.py
@@ -174,4 +174,4 @@ def has_codec (program, codec):
     """Test if program supports given codec."""
     if program == '7z' and codec == 'rar':
         return patoolib.util.p7zip_supports_rar()
-    return patoolib.find_encoding_program(program, codec)
+    return patoolib.find_compression_program(program, codec)
diff --git a/tests/test_config.py b/tests/test_config.py
index 28993fe..13b41df 100644
--- a/tests/test_config.py
+++ b/tests/test_config.py
@@ -32,12 +32,12 @@ class TestConfiguration (unittest.TestCase):
                 if command is not None:
                     self.assertTrue(command in patoolib.ArchiveCommands)
 
-    def test_encoding_programs (self):
-        self.assertEqual(set(patoolib.ArchiveEncodings),
-                         set(patoolib.EncodingPrograms.keys()))
+    def test_compression_programs (self):
+        self.assertEqual(set(patoolib.ArchiveCompressions),
+                         set(patoolib.CompressionPrograms.keys()))
 
     def test_encoding_mimes (self):
-        self.assertEqual(set(patoolib.ArchiveEncodings),
+        self.assertEqual(set(patoolib.ArchiveCompressions),
                          set(patoolib.util.Encoding2Mime.keys()))
         for mime in patoolib.util.Encoding2Mime.values():
             self.assertTrue(mime in patoolib.ArchiveMimetypes)