file extensions
what is a file extension?A filename extension is a suffix separated from the base filename by a dot or space to the name of a computer file applied to indicate the encoding of its contents or usage. Examples of filename extensions are .png , .jpeg , .exe , .dmg and .txt . On the right is a general list of file extensions. Filename extensions can be considered a type of metadata. They are commonly used to imply information about the way data might be stored in the file.
Properties of File extensionsWhile most file extensions are three characters in length, they can be as short as one character or longer than twenty characters. Sometimes long file extensions are used to more clearly identify the file type. For example, the .TAX2011 file extension is used to identify TurboTax 2011 tax returns and the .DESKTHEMEPACK extension identifies Windows 8 desktop themes. The file extension determines which program is used to open the file as well as what icon should be displayed for the file. It also helps you see what kind of file a certain document is by just looking at the filename.
common file types |
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