Definition

1. Noun:
   • A computer file name is the unique identifier given to a file stored on a computer system. It is used to distinguish that file from all other files. A file name often includes an extension (a suffix following a period, like .txt or .jpg) that indicates the file's format or type.

Usage

• The computer file name is the label you use to save, find, and open a file.
• When you create a document, the software will typically ask you to provide a computer file name.
• Operating systems have rules about which characters can be used in a computer file name.

Examples

• "Please save the report with the computer file name ."
• "I can't open the attachment because the computer file name contains invalid characters."
• "The computer file name suggests it is an image file, while suggests a plain text file."

Advanced Usage

• Fully Qualified File Name / Pathname: This refers to the complete address of a file, including the directory path and the computer file name (e.g., ). The final part () is the computer file name.
• File Naming Conventions: In professional and academic settings, specific rules (conventions) are often established for creating computer file names to ensure consistency, clarity, and easy sorting (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Filename (noun): A common, contracted form of "computer file name." It is widely used and often considered synonymous in general usage.
• File Extension (noun): The suffix part of a computer file name, usually indicating the file type (e.g., , , ).
• Basename (noun): In computing, the part of a file's pathname that is the computer file name without the preceding directory names.

Synonyms

• Filename: The most direct synonym.
• Document name: Often used in the context of user-created files like texts or spreadsheets.

Related Phrases

• To rename a file: To change the computer file name of an existing file.
  • Example: "Right-click on the file and select 'Rename' to change its computer file name."
• Invalid filename: A computer file name that contains characters or violates rules set by the operating system.
  • Example: "The system gave an error because I used a question mark in the filename, which is an invalid filename."

Noun

1. (computer science) the name given to a computer file in order to distinguish it from other files; may contain an extension that indicates the type of file