Lesson 2.6: File Extensions
Every file saved on a computer has a file extension, which tells the computer (and the user) what type of file it is and which program can open it.
A file extension is usually a group of 3 or 4 letters that come after a dot (.) in the file name.
Example:
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report.docxâ This is a Word document -
photo.jpgâ This is an image file -
song.mp3â This is an audio file
đ Common Types of File Extensions
đ Document Files
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.doc / .docxâ Microsoft Word document -
.pdfâ Portable Document Format -
.txtâ Text file (Notepad) -
.xls / .xlsxâ Excel spreadsheet -
.ppt / .pptxâ PowerPoint presentation
đŧī¸ Image Files
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.jpg / .jpegâ Compressed image -
.pngâ High-quality image with transparency -
.gifâ Animated image format -
.bmpâ Bitmap image file
đĩ Audio Files
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.mp3â Most common audio format -
.wavâ Uncompressed audio file -
.aacâ Advanced audio coding (used in phones)
đŦ Video Files
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.mp4â Common video format -
.aviâ Older video format -
.mkvâ High-quality video format
đĻ Compressed Files
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.zip / .rarâ Compressed folder containing files -
.7zâ High-compression file format
đ§ Program and System Files
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.exeâ Executable file (used to install/run software) -
.dllâ Dynamic Link Library (system file) -
.sysâ System file
âšī¸ Why File Extensions Matter:
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They help the system know which app to use to open the file
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They help users identify file type and purpose
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Wrong extensions can cause files not to open properly
Knowing file extensions is important for identifying, opening, and managing different types of files safely and efficiently.
