File Extensions Allow Computers to Process Files Effectively and Accurately
Filename extension is the portion of a filename, following the final point, which indicates the kind of data stored in the file. It is used to easily determine the file’s generic type. Many operating systems use filename extensions, e.g. Unix, VMS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows. They are usually from one to three letters (some sad old OSes support no more than three). Filename extensions are typically used to decide which program to launch when a file is “run”. The need to condense a file’s type into three characters frequently led to inscrutable extensions. Examples include using .GFX for graphics files, .TXT for plain text, and .MUS for music. File extensions are appended after the dot (.) sign which also follows the written filename. In most cases, we do not choose the file extension. Applications automatically add it to the filename, but we can change it and affect the content of the file.
One file extension you have on your computer is File Extension PLS. File Extension PLS is used by nine different programs such as Shoutcast, Napster, Real MP3, and WinAmp. These programs are media players which use the File Extension PLS for play lists. Overall, file extensions allow computers to process files effectively and accurately.
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