What is Computer file, How many types of computer files are there

ByPankaj Kumar

Computer file is the collection of digital data stored in a computer. These data are produced for a purpose, such as documents, images, videos, or program codes. Computer files are assigned with a name and an extension (.txt,.jpg,.docx). These files reside in the storage of the computer, such as a hard drive, SSD, or the cloud. The invention of computer files is linked to the early development of computers. As such, data was stored directly in the machine’s memory. Due to changes in computers, people required a file system to store data permanently, What is Computer file, How many types of computer files are there.

What is Computer file, How many types of computer files are there

During the 1950s and 1960s, the development of the file system took place, and the use of word processing software and database systems increased the use of files. They established methods for file-naming conventions and identifying their types, thus making them more accessible and user-friendly, What is Computer file, How many types of computer files are there.

Files in computers have many types. First, they ensure data security. For instance, they can be used in creating documents, storing images and videos, or saving programs. People also share these files through the internet, such as by email or the cloud. There are text files (.txt, .csv); picture files (.jpg, .png), audio and video files (.mp3, .mp4); and executable files (.exe, .app), which run programs in a computer. Finally, document files (.docx, .pdf) are used to create reports and other important documents.

A file system is the management of computer files, determining how they should be stored and accessed. Windows uses NTFS, Mac uses HFS, and Linux uses ext4 file systems. Proper management of these files makes a computer’s operations easier and better. Without files, storing and using data on a computer would be difficult. These files are an essential part of our digital lives, helping us keep data safe, share it, and use it.

How many types of computer files are there

  1. .txt file is used to store simple text data.
  2. .doc, .docx files are used for Microsoft Word documents, especially for formatting text, images, and other content.
  3. .xls, .xlsx files are used for storing and analyzing data in Microsoft Excel.
  4. .ppt, .pptx files are used to create PowerPoint presentations, with slides, graphics, and text.
  5. .pdf file is used to store documents in a way that they are readable and printable, typically for formal documents like reports and brochures.
  6. .jpg, .jpeg files are used for image files, often used in digital photography and web images.
  7. .png file is used for images that support transparency, typically for web use.
  8. .gif file is used for simple animations, often used on the internet.
  9. .bmp file is used for bitmap image format, commonly used in Windows.
  10. .tiff file is used for high-quality image files, typically used in printing and professional graphics.
  11. .svg file is used for scalable vector graphics, typically used on the web and in graphic design.
  12. .html file is used to create web pages.
  13. .css file is used to control the look and layout of a web page.
  14. .js file is used for adding interactivity and dynamic content to web pages.
  15. .php file is used for scripts that run on web servers, often interacting with databases.
  16. .xml file is used for storing and transferring data, often for web services.
  17. .json file is used for storing and transferring data, often used in web APIs.
  18. .csv file is used for organizing data in tables, commonly used in spreadsheets and databases.
  19. .zip file is used to compress files and folders for easier transfer and storage.
  20. .rar file is used for compressing data, often used for archiving and transferring files.
  21. .tar file is used to combine multiple files into one in Unix/Linux systems.
  22. .7z file is a compressed file format, providing higher compression than .zip and .rar.
  23. .iso file is used to store an image of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc.
  24. .md file is used for writing simple formatted text.
  25. .sql file is used for database-related scripts and queries.
  26. .sqlite file is used in lightweight database systems.
  27. .mp3 file is used for audio files, typically for music and sound recordings.
  28. .wav file is used for high-quality audio files, which are uncompressed.
  29. .flac file is used for high-quality audio files, compressed without losing any data.
  30. .aac file is used for audio files, providing better quality and smaller size than MP3.
  31. .ogg file is used for open-source audio files, commonly used for compression.
  32. .mp4 file is used for video files, suitable for internet streaming and video players.
  33. .avi file is used for video files, commonly used in Windows.
  34. .mov file is used for video files, typically used with Apple’s QuickTime player.
  35. .mkv file is used for video files, a multimedia container that can store video, audio, and subtitles together.
  36. .wmv file is used for video files, primarily used by Microsoft.
  37. .webm file is used for video files, commonly used in web browsers.
  38. .3gp file is used for video and audio recordings on mobile phones.
  39. .flv file is used for Flash video files, often used in online video streaming.
  40. .exe file is used for executable software programs, primarily in Windows.
  41. .bat file is used to run batch scripts in Windows command prompt.
  42. .sh file is used to run shell scripts in Linux/Unix systems.
  43. .dll file is used as a dynamic link library in Windows programs.
  44. .sys file is used for operating system and device driver files.
  45. .ini file is used to store application settings and configurations.
  46. .cfg file is used to store settings for software applications.
  47. .log file is used to store log data generated by systems or applications.
  48. .dmg file is used as a disk image for macOS, often for installing applications.
  49. .pkg file is used to install software on macOS.
  50. .app file is used for macOS applications, used to execute programs.
  51. .bin file is used as a binary file, read by computers but not by humans.
  52. .dat file is used to store data for applications.
  53. .chm file is used as a compiled HTML help file, typically for software documentation.
  54. .tar.gz file is used to compress multiple files in Unix/Linux systems.
  55. .srt file is used for subtitles in videos.
  56. .sub file is used for subtitles in videos.
  57. .idx file is used to sync subtitle indices with videos.
  58. .cue file is used to identify tracks on a CD.
  59. .apk file is used for Android application packages, allowing installation of apps on Android devices.
  60. .ipa file is used for iOS application packages, used to install apps on iOS devices.
  61. .jar file is used to package and distribute Java programs.
  62. .py file is used for Python scripts, written in the Python programming language.
  63. .java file is used for Java code files, written in the Java programming language.
  64. .cpp file is used for C++ code files, written in the C++ programming language.
  65. .h file is used for header files in C/C++ programming, containing function and data declarations.
  66. .rb file is used for Ruby scripts.
  67. .pl file is used for Perl scripts.
  68. .go file is used for Go programming language code files.
  69. .swift file is used for Swift programming language code files.
  70. .lua file is used for Lua scripts.
  71. .ts file is used for TypeScript code files.
  72. .r file is used for R programming language code files.
  73. .vbs file is used for VBScript scripts, used for automation and scripting in Windows.
  74. .xsl file is used for Extensible Stylesheet Language to define how to display XML data.
  75. .xsd file is used for defining the structure of XML data.
  76. .md5 file is used for storing hash values to check the integrity and authenticity of data.
  77. .sha1, .sha256 file is used for storing hash values used for data security and verification.
  78. .pfx, .p12 file is used to store digital certificates and cryptographic keys securely.
  79. .pem file is used to store public and private keys used in cryptography.
  80. .crt file is used to store SSL certificates, which are needed for web security.
  81. .key file is used for storing private keys required for SSL/TLS connections.
  82. .csr file is used for Certificate Signing Requests, generated for SSL certificates.
  83. .bak file is used for backup copies of files to prevent data loss.
  84. .swp file is used for temporary data by text editors like Vim, typically when a file is open.
  85. .db file is used for database files that store structured data.
  86. .mdb file is used for Microsoft Access database files.
  87. .sqlite file is used for a lightweight database file.
  88. .jsonld file is used to store linked data in JSON format.
  89. .torrent file is used for storing torrent data, used in peer-to-peer file sharing.
  90. .webloc file is used for storing web links on macOS.
  91. .desktop file is used for creating shortcuts or application launchers in Linux/Unix systems.
  92. .vcard file is used for storing contact information, like name, address, and phone number.
  93. .ics file is used for storing calendar and event information.
  94. .ost file is used to store offline data in Microsoft Outlook.
  95. .pst file is used to store data in Microsoft Outlook, including emails, calendars, and contacts.
  96. .msg file is used to store individual email messages from Microsoft Outlook.
  97. .rtf file is used to store rich text with formatting.
  98. .wma file is used for Windows Media Audio files, typically used for audio streaming and playback.
  99. .midi file is used for storing music data, typically for electronic music and instruments.
  100. .au file is used for audio data, commonly used in UNIX systems.

What is the difference between computer file and folder

In a computer, a file and a folder are two different things used to store data. A file is a place where we store data. It can be text, images, videos, or a program. A file has a name and an extension (like.txt,.jpg) that tells what type of file it is. For example, a resume, song, or photo can be a file. On the other hand, a folder is like the container in which we keep many files or other folders together.

A folder doesn’t have a size; the files inside the folder give it the size. It has a name, but its extension is nil. For instance, “Documents” or “Photos” would be a folder in which one stores all of his or her documents or photographs. Therefore, a file carries data and the folder is that place from which we store the files to hold them at a single place in order to have them arranged.

FAQs

How to create a file in a computer

In order to create a file in a computer, open the program that you want to use. You can use such as MS word, Notepad, or Excel. Then click on the menu “File” and select the “New” option. Afterwards, give your file a name and save it. Now your file is ready.

What is the importance of file extension in a computer

A file extension tells you the type of the file, such as.docx,.jpg,.mp4, etc. It helps the computer understand which program can open that file. If there is no extension, the computer may have trouble figuring out how to open the file.

Can a deleted file be recovered

When you delete a file, it does not disappear completely. Recovery software can be applied to recover a deleted file. On the other hand, the process is difficult and requires urgency because new data can be written over the deleted file, even making it not recoverable.

How large can a computer file be

The size of a file in a computer depends on the capacity of the hard drive or storage device. Usually, files can be up to 4GB in size, but some storage devices or hard drives can store files up to 1TB (1000GB). Files can be even larger if the storage capacity is special.

How to delete a file in a computer

Right click the file on a computer to open the Delete option. Once selected, this action will delete the file into the “Recycle Bin.” The file is removed permanently when one opens the “Recycle Bin” and selects the “Empty” option after that, What is Computer file, How many types of computer files are there.