File Formats | IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Preparation - Year 11 PDF Download

Generic File Formats

• Generic file formats refer to file types that are universally compatible, facilitating easy sharing among various devices and software programs. They do not require any specialized software or hardware for access.
• In contrast, non-generic files are specific file types that demand unique software or hardware for accessibility.
• The significance of generic file types lies in their versatility:
  • They enable seamless data exchange across a multitude of software applications and platforms.
  • Due to their widespread adoption, generic files can be accessed by a broad range of users and devices.
  • A single generic file can be created, modified, and accessed across diverse devices, enhancing convenience and compatibility.

Characteristics & Uses of File Formats

• Joint Photographic Expert Group (.jpg)
  • JPEG is a prevalent image file format.
  • It employs the lossy compression technique.
  • This method notably reduces file size while preserving acceptable image quality.
  • JPEG files are frequently utilized for storing and transmitting digital photographs.
• Portable Network Graphic (.png)
  • PNG utilizes lossless compression.
  • It preserves high-quality images while achieving compact file sizes.
  • Common applications include web design, digital illustrations, logos, and icons.
  • Its transparency support simplifies the integration of graphics into various backgrounds.
• Portable Document Format (.pdf)
  • PDF is a widely adopted file format known for its ability to maintain document layout and formatting across different platforms.
  • Documents can contain text, images, graphics, and interactive elements.
  • PDFs can be password protected to prevent unauthorized editing.
  • They offer a digital signature feature, functioning as a digital 'ink signature.'
• Graphics Interchange Format (.gif)
  • GIFs are employed for short, animated images and simple graphics.
  • They utilize a lossless compression algorithm.
  • Despite maintaining high image quality, GIFs retain small file sizes.
  • Commonly used in online platforms such as social media, messaging apps, and websites.

Generic Video Files

• Moving Pictures Expert Group Layer 4 (.mp4)
  • It's a multimedia container format, not confined to a single file type.
  • Suitable for various media types including video, image, and audio.
  • Employs sophisticated compression techniques to ensure high-quality video playback.
  • Despite maintaining quality, its compression algorithm keeps file sizes relatively small.
  • Widely favored for streaming and transferring videos online.
• QuickTime Movie (.mov)
  • Developed by Apple, it serves as a multimedia container format.
  • Supports storage of video, audio, and other media data.
  • Maintains excellent image quality while ensuring smaller file sizes.
  • Apt for both online streaming and local playback.
  • Frequently utilized in professional video editing, film production, and multimedia projects.

Generic Audio Files

• Moving Pictures Expert Group Layer 3 (.mp3)
  • Renowned for its high-quality compression algorithm, MP3 is a widely used audio file format.
  • It enables significant reduction in file size while minimally affecting sound quality.
  • Compatible with a diverse array of devices and audio streaming platforms.
  • Emerged as the standard format for digital music distribution.
• Waveform Audio File Format (.wav)
  • WAV is an uncompressed audio file format esteemed for its high-quality, lossless attributes.
  • It faithfully preserves the original audio waveform without compression.
  • Commonly preferred in the music industry, broadcast, and multimedia production, where audio quality is paramount.

Generic Text Files

• Text (.txt)
  • Utilized for storing plain text data without any additional formatting or styling.
  • Contains only human-readable text, making it highly compatible across various platforms and applications.
  • Opened and edited using a word processor or basic text editor.
• Rich Text Format (.rtf)
  • RTF serves as a file format for storing formatted text documents with various text styles, fonts, colors, and basic formatting elements.
  • Compatible with a wide range of text editors and word processors, enabling the creation of documents with basic formatting like letters, reports, and academic papers.
  • Documents can be opened and edited using different text editing software.
• Comma Separated Values (.csv)
  • CSV is a plain text file format employed for structured data storage.
  • Data is arranged in rows and columns, with each cell separated by a comma.
  • Widely supported and facilitates easy import and export of data between different applications and platforms.
  • Frequently used for tasks involving data analysis and database management.
  • Can be effortlessly opened and edited using spreadsheet software.

Generic Compressed Files

• Zip (.zip)
  • A compression container format facilitating the compression of multiple files and folders into a single, smaller-sized archive.
  • Employs lossless compression algorithms, ensuring that original content is preserved.
  • Suitable for bundling numerous files into a convenient single package.
• Roshal Archive (.rar)
  • Another compression container format akin to .ZIP but utilizing a proprietary compression algorithm.
  • Typically yields higher compression ratios compared to other formats.
  • Often employed for sharing files over the internet and in situations where space-saving is crucial.

Generic Web Development & Browsing Files

• Hypertext Markup Language (.html)
  • An international file format employed in crafting and organizing web pages.
  • Comprises text-based code delineating the structure, layout, and content of a webpage.
  • Rendered by web browsers, facilitating users to view and engage with web pages.
  • Universally utilized across various devices and platforms.
• Cascading Style Sheets (.css)
  • A file format linked to an HTML document.
  • Determines presentation and styling elements such as colors, fonts, layout, and positioning.
  • Commonly utilized in web development to craft responsive and visually appealing designs.