What is a File ?

A file can be defined as a data structure which stores the sequence of records. Files are stored in a file system, which may exist on a disk or in the main memory. Files can be simple (plain text) or complex (specially-formatted).

The collection of files is known as Directory. The collection of directories at the different levels, is known as File System.

Attributes of the File

1.Name

Every file carries a name by which the file is recognized in the file system. One directory cannot have two files with the same name.

2.Identifier

Along with the name, Each File has its own extension which identifies the type of the file. For example, a text file has the extension .txt, A video file can have the extension .mp4.

3.Type

In a File System, the Files are classified in different types such as video files, audio files, text files, executable files, etc.

4.Location

In the File System, there are several locations on which, the files can be stored. Each file carries its location as its attribute.

5.Size

The Size of the File is one of its most important attribute. By size of the file, we mean the number of bytes acquired by the file in the memory.

6.Protection

The Admin of the computer may want the different protections for the different files. Therefore each file carries its own set of permissions to the different group of Users.

7.Time and Date

Every file carries a time stamp which contains the time and date on which the file is last modified.