Learning To Understanding What is  File extensions

A file extension, also known as a file name extension, is a suffix assigned to a computer file name to indicate its encoding convention, also known as its file format. In common non-computer conversation, extensions are simply suffixes added to the end of file names.

The computer’s operating system can recognize the file type.

File extensions are intended to provide additional information to computers and additional software installed on these devices. The computer must use these extensions to map the files correctly to the correct applications to be opened in the correct format. If you’ve used a computer, you know that many different types of files are used and that not all types of files you receive can be opened.  The problem is usually that your computer may not have a suitable application that supports this file type.

In most cases, your computer reads the file extensions in the file and then automatically chooses the program to open it. Sometimes your computer cannot do this automatically (perhaps because it has several suitable applications installed) and for yourself. Sometimes, neither you nor your computer will be able to find anything suitable to open your file. In these circumstances, you will have to forget about opening the file and ignore its contents completely.

File Extension Tools Depending on the file type, you can use an online converter to convert the file from its current form to a new format that your computer can handle. There is also software available which combines the information you would get from a file extension library with a database that tells you the right direction to open files. For example, the program will tell you which program needs the file and where to get it.

If you do not know and do not trust the source from which you are downloading a new application, you may be concerned about accidentally downloading hidden malware, spyware, or other types of viruses. It is why it can be helpful to find a reliable, central source that can help you recognize which applications can be used to open specific types of file extensions and who can offer you help finding trusted sources for that application.

Summary

An alternative to downloading a new application to open the file is to use another application to convert that file to an extension that can be opened with one of your existing applications. The Internet can also help you find a list of applications that can convert file types and provide you with information on how to convert files without damaging the information in them.