filename extension
Noun A filename extension is a suffix appended to a computer filename, separated from the main filename by a period (.). It typically consists of a few characters (often three or four) that indicate the file's format, type, or the application that created it. The extension helps the operating system and software identify how to handle or open the file.
The filename extension is the part of a file's name after the final dot. It is used to classify file types. * The system uses the filename extension to determine which program should open a document. * When saving a file, the application often adds the correct filename extension automatically. * A common filename extension for text files is .txt.
- "I couldn't open the document until I corrected the filename extension from to ."
- "Executable programs on Windows typically have the filename extension ."
- "The filename extension indicates that the file is a compressed image format."
- Multiple Extensions: Sometimes files may have compound extensions (e.g., ), where the last segment is the primary filename extension.
- Visibility: In many operating systems, filename extensions can be hidden by default in file browsers to simplify the user interface.
- File Extension: A common synonym for filename extension.
- Extension: In the context of computing and filenames, this is a frequently used shortened form. (e.g., "What is the file's extension?").
- Suffix: A more general term that can be used technically to describe the filename extension.
- File Type Suffix
- File Format Extension
The term specifically refers to the suffix itself (e.g., .pdf, .mp3), not to the act of extending a filename. Its primary function is for file type identification, not for making a name longer.
- a string of characters beginning with a period and followed by one or more letters; the optional second part of a PC computer filename
- most applications provide extensions for the files they create
- most BASIC files use the filename extension .BAS