Data Formats: File Formats and Their File Extensions (updated)

"Related Terminology

"file format
A format for encoding information in a file. Each different type of file has a different file format. The file format specifies first whether the file is a binary or ASCII file, and second, how the information is organized.

"file extension
One or several letters at the end of a filename. Filename extensions usually follow a period (dot) and indicate the type of information stored in the file. For example, in the filename EDIT.COM, the extension is COM, which indicates that the file is a command file. Depending on the operating system, the punctuation separating the extension from the rest of the filename may or may not be considered part of the extension itself."

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