File Extensions
File extensions are suffixes appended to filenames, typically separated by a dot, that indicate the file's format or type, such as .txt for text files or .jpg for images. They help operating systems and applications identify how to handle and interpret the content of a file, enabling proper opening, editing, and execution. This concept is fundamental in computing for file management, compatibility, and security.
Developers should understand file extensions to ensure correct file handling in applications, such as parsing data from .csv files or serving .html files in web development. It's crucial for debugging, security (e.g., avoiding malicious .exe files), and cross-platform compatibility, especially when working with diverse file types in projects like data processing or software distribution.