Computer file - Revision history

imported>Bruce1ee: Reverted edit by ~2025-39165-36 (talk) to last version by Stevebroshar

2025-12-08T17:34:21Z

Reverted edit by ~2025-39165-36 (talk) to last version by Stevebroshar

← Previous revision		Revision as of 17:34, 8 December 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	{{refimprove\|date=June 2009}}		{{refimprove\|date=June 2009}}

	A '''computer file''' is a collection of [[Data (computing)\|data]] on a [[~~Computer data storage\|computer storage device~~]], ~~primarily identified by its~~ [[~~filename~~]]~~. Just as words can be written on paper, so too can data be written~~ to a ~~computer~~ file. Files can be shared with and transferred between [[computers]] and [[Mobile device\|mobile devices]] via [[removable media]], [[Computer networks\|networks]], or the [[Internet]].		A '''computer file''' is a named collection of [[Data (computing)\|data]] treated as a unit by the system that manages it. Today, this system is called a [[file system]]. Many older computer systems lacked a distinct file system per se, yet a management [[software feature \|feature]] is required in order to provide a file [[abstraction]].

			Files can be shared with and transferred between [[computers]] and [[Mobile device\|mobile devices]] via [[removable media]], [[Computer networks\|networks]], or the [[Internet]].

	Different [[File format\|types of computer files]] are designed for different purposes. A file may be designed to store a written message, a document, a [[spreadsheet]], an [[Digital image\|image]], a [[Digital video\|video]], a [[computer program\|program]], or any wide variety of other kinds of data. Certain files can store multiple data types at once.		Different [[File format\|types of computer files]] are designed for different purposes. A file may be designed to store a written message, a document, a [[spreadsheet]], an [[Digital image\|image]], a [[Digital video\|video]], a [[computer program\|program]], or any wide variety of other kinds of data. Certain files can store multiple data types at once.

	By using computer programs, a person can open, read, change, save, and close a computer file. Computer files may be reopened, modified, and [[file copying\|copied]] an arbitrary number of times.		By using computer programs, a person can open, read, change, save, and close a computer file. Computer files may be reopened, modified, and [[file copying\|copied]] an arbitrary number of times.

	~~Files are typically organized in a [[file system]], which tracks file locations on the disk and enables user access.~~

	==Etymology==		==Etymology==
Line 23:		Line 23:

	In early use, the underlying hardware, rather than the contents stored on it, was denominated a "file". For example, the [[IBM 350]] disk drives were denominated "disk files".<ref>Martin H. Weik. Ballistic Research Laboratories Report #1115. March 1961. [https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC pp. 314–331] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021113333/https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC \|date=2016-10-21 }}.</ref> The introduction, {{circa\|1961}}, by the [[Burroughs MCP]] and the MIT [[Compatible Time-Sharing System]] of the concept of a "[[file system]]" that managed several virtual "files" on one storage device is the origin of the contemporary denotation of the word. Although the contemporary "[[register file]]" demonstrates the early concept of files, its use has greatly decreased.{{citation needed\|date=August 2025}}		In early use, the underlying hardware, rather than the contents stored on it, was denominated a "file". For example, the [[IBM 350]] disk drives were denominated "disk files".<ref>Martin H. Weik. Ballistic Research Laboratories Report #1115. March 1961. [https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC pp. 314–331] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021113333/https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC \|date=2016-10-21 }}.</ref> The introduction, {{circa\|1961}}, by the [[Burroughs MCP]] and the MIT [[Compatible Time-Sharing System]] of the concept of a "[[file system]]" that managed several virtual "files" on one storage device is the origin of the contemporary denotation of the word. Although the contemporary "[[register file]]" demonstrates the early concept of files, its use has greatly decreased.{{citation needed\|date=August 2025}}

			==File system==
			A [[file system]] provides the file [[abstraction]] to consuming software; allowing for organizing, naming, and manipulating data as files. Although early computers did not contain a distinct file system, the function of what we call file system today is required as was often provided directly by the core operating system.

			Not only do modern computer systems include a file system, some systems use multiple. [[Unix-like]] systems typically allow for using multiple file systems. On some Windows systems, the older FAT-type file systems of [[MS-DOS]] and old versions of Windows are supported, in addition to the [[NTFS]] file system that is the normal file system.

			==File manager==
			A [[file manager]] is a [[utility software \|utility]] that allows a user to manipulate files directly. Typically, it allows one to move, create, delete and rename files and directories (a.k.a. folders), although it may not directly support viewing file content. Typically, a computer system has at least one file manager program for its native file system. For example, [[File Explorer]] is commonly used in Windows, and [[GNOME Files \|Nautilus]] is in several [[Linux distribution]]s.

	==File contents==		==File contents==
Line 35:		Line 43:
	{{Main article\|File size}}		{{Main article\|File size}}

	~~At any instant in time,~~ a file ~~has a specific size, normally~~ expressed ~~as a number~~ of [[byte]]s,~~<ref group="lower-alpha">Can also be shown as kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, etc.</ref> that indicates how much storage is occupied by the~~ file~~. In most modern operating~~ systems ~~the~~ size ~~can be any non-negative whole number of bytes up to a system limit. Many older operating systems kept track only of the number of~~ [[disk sector\|blocks]] or [[track (disk drive)\|tracks]] ~~occupied by a file on a physical storage device~~. ~~In such systems~~, ~~software employed other methods to track the exact byte count (e.g~~., [[CP/M]] ~~used~~ a ~~special control character,~~ [[Ctrl-Z]], to ~~signal the end of text files)~~.		File size is a measure of the storage space allocated to the file. Although often expressed in units of [[byte]]s, many older file systems tracked size in larger units such as [[disk sector \|blocks]] or [[track (disk drive)\|tracks]]. None-the-less, sometimes a more precise measure was available. For example, [[CP/M]] marked the end of a text file with [[Ctrl-Z]] which could be used to obtain a size with byte precision.

	~~The general definition of a file does not require that~~ its ~~size have any real meaning~~, ~~however, unless the data within the file happens to correspond to data within a pool of persistent storage. A special case is~~ a ~~[[zero byte file]]; these files can be newly created files that have not yet had any data written to them, or may serve as some kind of [[Flag (computing)\|flag]] in the~~ file system~~, or are accidents (the results of aborted disk operations). For example, the~~ file to which the link {{Mono\|/bin/ls}} points in a typical [[Unix-like]] system probably has a defined size that seldom changes. Compare this with {{Mono\|[[/dev/null]]}} which is also a file, but as a [[character special file]], its size ~~is not meaningful~~.		Typically, due to its design, a file system limits maximum file size.

	=== Organization of data in a file ===		=== Organization of data in a file ===
Line 144:		Line 152:

	The [[grandfather-father-son backup]] method automatically makes three back-ups; the grandfather file is the oldest copy of the file and the son is the current copy.		The [[grandfather-father-son backup]] method automatically makes three back-ups; the grandfather file is the oldest copy of the file and the son is the current copy.

	~~==File systems and file managers==~~
	The way a computer organizes, names, stores and manipulates files is globally referred to as its ''[[file system]].'' Most computers have at least one file system. Some computers allow the use of several different file systems. For instance, on newer MS Windows computers, the older FAT-type file systems of [[MS-DOS]] and old versions of Windows are supported, in addition to the [[NTFS]] file system that is the normal file system for recent versions of Windows. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Standard FAT allows only eight-character file names (plus a three-character extension) with no spaces, for example, whereas NTFS allows much longer names that can contain spaces. You can call a file "{{Mono\|Payroll records}}" in NTFS, but in FAT you would be restricted to something like {{Mono\|payroll.dat}} (unless you were using [[File Allocation Table#Long file names\|VFAT]], a FAT extension allowing long file names).

	[[File manager]] programs are utility programs that allow users to manipulate files directly. They allow you to move, create, delete and rename files and folders, although they do not actually allow you to read the contents of a file or store information in it. Every computer system provides at least one file-manager program for its native file system. For example, [[File Explorer]] (formerly Windows Explorer) is commonly used in Microsoft Windows operating systems, and [[GNOME_Files\|Nautilus]] is common under several distributions of Linux.

	==See also==		==See also==
	* [[Block (data storage)]]		* [[Block (data storage)]]
			* [[Character special file]]
	* [[Computer file management]]		* [[Computer file management]]
	* [[Data hierarchy]]		* [[Data hierarchy]]
			* [[Everything is a file]]
	* [[File camouflage]]		* [[File camouflage]]
	* [[File copying]]		* [[File copying]]
Line 165:		Line 170:
	* [[Object composition]]		* [[Object composition]]
	* [[Soft copy]]		* [[Soft copy]]
			* [[Unix file type]]
	~~== Notes ==~~		* [[Zero byte file]]
	~~{{notelist}}~~

	== References ==		== References ==

imported>ClueBot NG: Reverting possible vandalism by ~2025-33451-07 to version by ~2025-32299-67. Report False Positive? Thanks, ClueBot NG. (4448194) (Bot)

2025-11-14T05:50:38Z

Reverting possible vandalism by ~2025-33451-07 to version by ~2025-32299-67. Report False Positive? Thanks, ClueBot NG. (4448194) (Bot)

← Previous revision		Revision as of 05:50, 14 November 2025
Line 22:		Line 22:
	In 1952, "file" denoted, among other things, information stored on [[punched card]]s.<ref>Robert S. Casey, et al. ''Punched Cards: Their Applications to Science and Industry''. 1952.</ref>		In 1952, "file" denoted, among other things, information stored on [[punched card]]s.<ref>Robert S. Casey, et al. ''Punched Cards: Their Applications to Science and Industry''. 1952.</ref>

	In early use, the underlying hardware, rather than the contents stored on it, was denominated a "file". For example, the [[IBM 350]] disk drives were denominated "disk files".<ref>Martin H. Weik. Ballistic Research Laboratories Report #1115. March 1961. [https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC pp. 314–331] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021113333/https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC \|date=2016-10-21 }}.</ref> The introduction, {{circa\|1961}}, by the [[Burroughs MCP]] and the MIT [[Compatible Time-Sharing System]] of the concept of a "[[file system]]" that managed several virtual "files" on one storage device is the origin of the contemporary denotation of the word. Although the contemporary "[[register file]]" demonstrates the early concept of files, its use has greatly decreased.		In early use, the underlying hardware, rather than the contents stored on it, was denominated a "file". For example, the [[IBM 350]] disk drives were denominated "disk files".<ref>Martin H. Weik. Ballistic Research Laboratories Report #1115. March 1961. [https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC pp. 314–331] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021113333/https://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-ibm03.html#IBM-305-RAMAC \|date=2016-10-21 }}.</ref> The introduction, {{circa\|1961}}, by the [[Burroughs MCP]] and the MIT [[Compatible Time-Sharing System]] of the concept of a "[[file system]]" that managed several virtual "files" on one storage device is the origin of the contemporary denotation of the word. Although the contemporary "[[register file]]" demonstrates the early concept of files, its use has greatly decreased.{{citation needed\|date=August 2025}}

	==File contents==		==File contents==
	On most modern [[operating system]]s, files are organized into one-dimensional arrays of [[byte]]s. The [[file format\|format]] of a file is defined by its content since a file is solely a container for data.		On most modern [[operating system]]s, files are organized into one-dimensional arrays of [[byte]]s. The [[file format\|format]] of a file is defined by its content since a file is solely a container for data.{{citation needed\|date=August 2025}}

	On some platforms the format is indicated by its [[filename extension]], specifying the rules for how the bytes must be organized and interpreted meaningfully. For example, the bytes of a plain text file ({{Mono\|.txt}} in Windows) are associated with either [[ASCII]] or [[UTF-8]] characters, while the bytes of image, video, and audio files are interpreted otherwise. Most file types also allocate a few bytes for [[metadata]], which allows a file to carry some basic information about itself.		On some platforms the format is indicated by its [[filename extension]], specifying the rules for how the bytes must be organized and interpreted meaningfully. For example, the bytes of a plain text file ({{Mono\|.txt}} in Windows) are associated with either [[ASCII]] or [[UTF-8]] characters, while the bytes of image, video, and audio files are interpreted otherwise. Most file types also allocate a few bytes for [[metadata]], which allows a file to carry some basic information about itself.{{citation needed\|date=August 2025}}

	Some file systems can store arbitrary (not interpreted by the file system) file-specific data outside of the file format, but linked to the file, for example [[extended attributes]] or [[Fork (file system)\|forks]]. On other file systems this can be done via [[sidecar file]]s or software-specific databases. All those methods, however, are more susceptible to loss of metadata than [[Container format (computing)\|container]] and [[archive file]] formats.		Some file systems can store arbitrary (not interpreted by the file system) file-specific data outside of the file format, but linked to the file, for example [[extended attributes]] or [[Fork (file system)\|forks]]. On other file systems this can be done via [[sidecar file]]s or software-specific databases. All those methods, however, are more susceptible to loss of metadata than [[Container format (computing)\|container]] and [[archive file]] formats.{{citation needed\|date=August 2025}}

	=== File size ===		=== File size ===
Line 67:		Line 67:

	=== Moving methods ===		=== Moving methods ===
	~~There are two distinct implementations of~~ file ~~moves~~.		When moving files between devices or partitions, some file managing software deletes each selected file from the source directory '''individually''' after being transferred, while other software deletes '''all files at once''' only after every file has been transferred.

	~~When~~ moving files ~~between devices or partitions~~, ~~some file managing software deletes each selected file from~~ the ~~source directory '''individually''' after being transferred, while other software deletes '''all files at once''' only after every file has been transferred~~.		For example, the <code>[[mv (Unix)\|mv]]</code> command uses the former method when moving files individually with [[wildcard character\|wildcards]] (example: <code>mv -n sourcePath/* targetPath</code>), but uses the latter method when moving entire directories (example: <code>mv -n sourcePath targetPath</code>).

	With the <code>[[mv (Unix)\|mv]]</code> command for instance, the former method is used when selecting files individually, possibly with the use of [[wildcard character\|wildcards]] (example: <code>mv -n sourcePath/* targetPath</code>, while the latter method is used when selecting entire directories (example: <code>mv -n sourcePath targetPath</code>). Microsoft [[Windows Explorer]] uses the former method for [[mass storage]] file moves, but the latter method ~~using~~ [[Media Transfer Protocol]], as described in {{section link\|Media Transfer Protocol\|File move behavior}}.		Microsoft [[Windows Explorer]] also varies its approach: it uses the former method for [[mass storage]] file moves, but uses the latter method when transferring files via [[Media Transfer Protocol]], as described in {{section link\|Media Transfer Protocol\|File move behavior}}.

	The former method (individual deletion from source) has the benefit that space is released from the source device or partition imminently after the transfer has begun, meaning after the first file is finished. With the latter method, space is only freed after the transfer of the entire selection has finished.		The former method (individual deletion from source) has the benefit that space is released from the source device or partition imminently after the transfer has begun, meaning after the first file is finished. With the latter method, space is only freed after the transfer of the entire selection has finished.

imported>JauntKing at 03:19, 24 June 2025

2025-06-24T03:19:41Z

← Previous revision		Revision as of 03:19, 24 June 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	{{refimprove\|date=June 2009}}		{{refimprove\|date=June 2009}}

	A '''computer file''' is a ~~[[System resource\|resource]] for recording~~ [[Data (computing)\|data]] on a [[Computer data storage\|computer storage device]], primarily identified by its [[filename]]. Just as words can be written on paper, so too can data be written to a computer file. Files can be shared with and transferred between [[computers]] and [[Mobile device\|mobile devices]] via [[removable media]], [[Computer networks\|networks]], or the [[Internet]].		A '''computer file''' is a collection of [[Data (computing)\|data]] on a [[Computer data storage\|computer storage device]], primarily identified by its [[filename]]. Just as words can be written on paper, so too can data be written to a computer file. Files can be shared with and transferred between [[computers]] and [[Mobile device\|mobile devices]] via [[removable media]], [[Computer networks\|networks]], or the [[Internet]].

	Different [[File format\|types of computer files]] are designed for different purposes. A file may be designed to store a written message, a document, a [[spreadsheet]], an [[Digital image\|image]], a [[Digital video\|video]], a [[computer program\|program]], or any wide variety of other kinds of data. Certain files can store multiple data types at once.		Different [[File format\|types of computer files]] are designed for different purposes. A file may be designed to store a written message, a document, a [[spreadsheet]], an [[Digital image\|image]], a [[Digital video\|video]], a [[computer program\|program]], or any wide variety of other kinds of data. Certain files can store multiple data types at once.

imported>TonySt: Reverted edits by 2409:4085:4EC8:F07B:B486:52CC:F536:CF17 (talk) (AV)

2025-06-18T12:14:13Z

Reverted edits by 2409:4085:4EC8:F07B:B486:52CC:F536:CF17 (talk) (AV)

← Previous revision	Revision as of 12:14, 18 June 2025
(No difference)

115.131.38.61: It's more like a byproduct of procrastination (like I'm doing now). Also, it was a bit verbose.

2025-05-20T03:02:17Z

It's more like a byproduct of procrastination (like I'm doing now). Also, it was a bit verbose.

Show changes

← Previous revision		Revision as of 03:19, 24 June 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	{{refimprove\|date=June 2009}}		{{refimprove\|date=June 2009}}

	A '''computer file''' is a ~~[[System resource\|resource]] for recording~~ [[Data (computing)\|data]] on a [[Computer data storage\|computer storage device]], primarily identified by its [[filename]]. Just as words can be written on paper, so too can data be written to a computer file. Files can be shared with and transferred between [[computers]] and [[Mobile device\|mobile devices]] via [[removable media]], [[Computer networks\|networks]], or the [[Internet]].		A '''computer file''' is a collection of [[Data (computing)\|data]] on a [[Computer data storage\|computer storage device]], primarily identified by its [[filename]]. Just as words can be written on paper, so too can data be written to a computer file. Files can be shared with and transferred between [[computers]] and [[Mobile device\|mobile devices]] via [[removable media]], [[Computer networks\|networks]], or the [[Internet]].

	Different [[File format\|types of computer files]] are designed for different purposes. A file may be designed to store a written message, a document, a [[spreadsheet]], an [[Digital image\|image]], a [[Digital video\|video]], a [[computer program\|program]], or any wide variety of other kinds of data. Certain files can store multiple data types at once.		Different [[File format\|types of computer files]] are designed for different purposes. A file may be designed to store a written message, a document, a [[spreadsheet]], an [[Digital image\|image]], a [[Digital video\|video]], a [[computer program\|program]], or any wide variety of other kinds of data. Certain files can store multiple data types at once.