File extensions – definition and basic information


File extensions are the integral parts of the files that are on each computer. Often, when working on a computer, we encounter a wide range of files, such as docx, ppt, part, mp3 or rmvb. We realize that they are there – but we often do not know what they are for on our computer.

File extension, also known as the filename extension is a suffix added to the name of a computer file, usually consisting of a number of characters placed after the last dot in the filename, which gives us information about its coding. In other words a file extension is a file format. It allows the operating system (e.g. Windows) to recognize what program it should try to open the file.

In the table below you will find a random selection of popular file extensions.


File extension The full name of the file Category

ASP file extension

Active Server Page

Web Files

CBR file extension

Comic Book RAR Archive

Compressed Files

CLASS file extension

Java Class File

Developer Files

COM file extension

DOS Command File

Executable Files

CRX file extension

Chrome Extension

Plugin Files

DRV file extension

Device Driver

System Files

FLV file extension

Flash Video File

Video Files

ICO file extension

Icon File

System Files

JSP file extension

Java Server Page

Web Files

PPS file extension

PowerPoint Slide Show

Data Files

SLN file extension

Visual Studio Solution File

Developer Files

VB file extension

VBScript File

Executable Files

WAV file extension

WAVE Audio File

Audio Files

WMV file extension

Windows Media Video File

Video Files

WSF file extension

Windows Script File

Executable Files