• Home
  • Archive
  • Tools
  • Contact Us

The Customize Windows

Technology Journal

  • Cloud Computing
  • Computer
  • Digital Photography
  • Windows 7
  • Archive
  • Cloud Computing
  • Virtualization
  • Computer and Internet
  • Digital Photography
  • Android
  • Sysadmin
  • Electronics
  • Big Data
  • Virtualization
  • Downloads
  • Web Development
  • Apple
  • Android
Advertisement
You are here: Home » Filename Extension : Basics

By Abhishek Ghosh November 9, 2014 8:07 am Updated on November 9, 2014

Filename Extension : Basics

Advertisement

Filename Extension Holds Variable Number of Words From Two Worded Like .pl, .sh Through Three, Like .png, .gif, Can Be Four Like .jpeg or Longer. Why They Varies in Number? In other words, is not it would e great if all the file extensions had an universal number of words to avoid typographical errors? There is a long history behind these Filename Extension.

 

Filename Extension : Basics

 

In computing, a filename extension is a string attached to the name of a computer file, usually preceded by a period. Its main function is to differentiate the contents of the file to the operating system for the necessary procedure to execute or interpret; however, the extension is only part of the file name and does not represent any obligation on the content.

Some operating systems, specially DOS and Windows, use the file extensions to recognize the format, including the executable files. Other operating systems, which based on Unix (unix like including UNIX), the file extensions used as mere convention, not necessarily using them to determine its type. For example, the Nginx or Apache vHost File needs no extension – we often name it according to our domain name.

Advertisement

---

Being extensions of legacy file system DOS, many of its current characteristics were inherited by limitations in the system. Older DOS systems has limited the number of characters in the file extension to three, so many conventional extensions have that much characters. Also, the filenames on systems DOS are insensitively case sensitive, so most file extensions can be written indifferently.

Filename Extension Basics

 

Filename Extension : There is No Universal Standard

 

If you rename a text file like a video and force it to open with text editor, actually it opens. This is, somewhat can be a strategy used by the advanced user to hide the undesired files arriving in the default program’s list. KDE and GNOME desktop environments associate an internet media type with a file by examining both the filename suffix and the contents of the file. This is, actually the right strategy.

When first the usage of Internet started, Windows systems had the old real Windows Kernel not the Ported OpenVMS like used now on Windows NT systems, they cloud not create web pages with names ending in .HTML but .HTM (quite funny), while the other Operating Systems using Macintosh or UNIX computers recommended the .html filename extension. Original Windows is kind of inspired by Visi On. That Original Windows is what you can not use without CTRL-Alt-Del keys.

With time, the usage of UNIX and unix like has been increased to few thousand folds as the kernel is actually unix or linux kernel – iOS, OS X, Linux, Android. Mac OS X, wrongly quoted to rely on globally set associations between filename extension and interpreter like Windows. Only one version had it. Apple’s Mac OS X, normally could read the header in the script (shebang). It has been many years ( rather decades ) since Apple actually started to use FreeBSD / UNIX.

ILOVEYOU was a computer worm that attacked tens of millions of Windows computers on and after 5 May 2000 which spreaded as an email message with the subject line ILOVEYOU and the attachment LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.txt.vbs. Microsoft Windows can not understand whether a file named thecustomizewindows.com is a text file or a executable script which can work as malware. Microsoft Windows is an association-based system, the filename extension is generally mapped to a single, system-wide selection of interpreter and the command itself is runnable from CLI. The OS provides a consistent Closed Source API by allowing the extension-less version of the command to be used. Windows basically blacklist the files.

Unix like OS and UNIX uses interpreter directives, the name extensions have no special significance. Possibly Microsoft Windows does not understand tar.gz by default.

May be, you’ll like the article Trends and Evolution of Computing?

Actually like you are viewing OS X Yosemite, OS X Mavericks – all are free for Apple’s computer; actually that is the original way to deliver software. What Apple and some others did – they introduced the closed source software concept.

This Article Has Been Shared 360 Times!

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Abhishek Ghosh

About Abhishek Ghosh

Abhishek Ghosh is a Businessman, Surgeon, Author and Blogger. You can keep touch with him on Twitter - @AbhishekCTRL.

Here’s what we’ve got for you which might like :

Articles Related to Filename Extension : Basics

  • chmod : Details of chmod for an average user

    chmod is a command line utility under UNIX or UNIX like OS Linux. Although chmod classically requires shell access to change permission, sFTP can be used too.

  • Synchronous Optical Network

    The Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) is one of ANSI standardized multiplexing technology for synchronous data streaming and is designed for data rates of 51.84 Mbit/s up to 2.5 Gbit/s. Synchronous Optical Network was developed by U.S. Bell Labs. Synchronous Optical Network is based on the older ITU standardized Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), the specifications of […]

  • Zoom Lens and Digital Photography

    Zoom Lens means Optical Zoom. Zoom Lens has variable focal length unlike a Prime Lens which has a fixed focal length. It can be parfocal lens or varifocal lens.

  • Unix Shell or Shell

    Unix Shell or Shell refers to the traditional user interface under Unix or Unix-like computer operating systems. User can type a command type, which is executed by the computer.

  • Human computer Interaction

    In general terms, Human–computer Interaction is the discipline that studies the exchange of information via software between human and computers.

Additionally, performing a search on this website can help you. Also, we have YouTube Videos.

Take The Conversation Further ...

We'd love to know your thoughts on this article.
Meet the Author over on Twitter to join the conversation right now!

If you want to Advertise on our Article or want a Sponsored Article, you are invited to Contact us.

Contact Us

Subscribe To Our Free Newsletter

Get new posts by email:

Please Confirm the Subscription When Approval Email Will Arrive in Your Email Inbox as Second Step.

Search this website…

 

Popular Articles

Our Homepage is best place to find popular articles!

Here Are Some Good to Read Articles :

  • Cloud Computing Service Models
  • What is Cloud Computing?
  • Cloud Computing and Social Networks in Mobile Space
  • ARM Processor Architecture
  • What Camera Mode to Choose
  • Indispensable MySQL queries for custom fields in WordPress
  • Windows 7 Speech Recognition Scripting Related Tutorials

Social Networks

  • Pinterest (24.3K Followers)
  • Twitter (5.8k Followers)
  • Facebook (5.7k Followers)
  • LinkedIn (3.7k Followers)
  • YouTube (1.3k Followers)
  • GitHub (Repository)
  • GitHub (Gists)
Looking to publish sponsored article on our website?

Contact us

Recent Posts

  • What is ChatGPT? February 3, 2023
  • Zebronics Pixaplay 16 : Entry Level Movie Projector Review February 2, 2023
  • What is Voice User Interface (VUI) January 31, 2023
  • Proxy Server: Design Pattern in Programming January 30, 2023
  • Cyberpunk Aesthetics: What’s in it Special January 27, 2023

About This Article

Cite this article as: Abhishek Ghosh, "Filename Extension : Basics," in The Customize Windows, November 9, 2014, February 5, 2023, https://thecustomizewindows.com/2014/11/filename-extension-basics/.

Source:The Customize Windows, JiMA.in

PC users can consult Corrine Chorney for Security.

Want to know more about us? Read Notability and Mentions & Our Setup.

Copyright © 2023 - The Customize Windows | dESIGNed by The Customize Windows

Copyright  · Privacy Policy  · Advertising Policy  · Terms of Service  · Refund Policy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT