Chapter 10: Problem 5

In general, what are the two types of files? What is the difference between these two types of files?

Short Answer

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Answer: The two general types of files are text files and binary files. Text files contain readable characters and are used for storing and exchanging textual information, while binary files contain non-text data in a non-human-readable format. Text files can be opened and edited using simple text editors or word processing software, whereas binary files require specific software or applications to interpret and process the data contained within them.

Step by step solution

Identify the two general types of files

The two general types of files are text files and binary files.

Describe text files

Text files contain readable characters and can be opened, viewed, and edited using simple text editors or word processing software. They typically have file extensions like .txt, .csv, .html, .xml, and .json, among others. Text files store data in a human-readable format, and they are used for storing and exchanging textual information.

Describe binary files

Binary files contain non-text data in a format that is not directly readable by humans. These files are used to store and process a wide range of data, such as images, audio files, videos, software applications, and compiled computer programs. Common binary file formats include .jpg, .png, .mp3, .mp4, .exe, and .dll, to name just a few. Binary files usually require specific software or applications to interpret and process the data contained within them.

Compare the differences between text and binary files

The main differences between text and binary files are in the type of data they store and the way they store it. Text files store textual data that is readable by humans, while binary files store non-text data in a non-human-readable format. In addition, text files can be easily opened and edited with basic text editors, whereas binary files require specialized software or applications to access and manipulate their contents.

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In general, what are the two types of files? What is the difference between these two types of files?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the two general types of files

Describe text files

Describe binary files

Compare the differences between text and binary files

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