Plain Text Files

Plain text files are computer files that contain only human-readable text characters, encoded in a standard format like ASCII or UTF-8, without any formatting, styling, or binary data. They are used for storing and exchanging data in a simple, portable, and universally readable format across different systems and applications. Common examples include configuration files, source code, logs, and data dumps.

Also known as: Text Files, TXT Files, ASCII Files, UTF-8 Files, Unformatted Text

Why learn Plain Text Files?

Developers should use plain text files for configuration, logging, and data exchange because they are lightweight, easy to parse programmatically, and compatible with virtually all operating systems and tools. They are essential for version control systems like Git, which rely on text-based diffs, and for scripting and automation tasks where readability and simplicity are prioritized over complex formatting.

Learning Resources

• docs: What is a Plain Text File?
• tutorial: Working with Text Files in Python
• tutorial: Understanding File Encodings (UTF-8 vs ASCII)
• tutorial: Text Files in Linux Command Line