Appendix C. Identifying/Finding File Extensions

Introduction

This appendix lists and describes common Linux file extensions. Also included is a section explaining how to get your system to properly identify a file with no extension, an incorrect one, or one that you are uncertain about.

Compressed Files

  • .tar - an archive file (short for tape archive)

  • .gz - a compressed file (gzipped)

  • .tgz - a tarred and gzipped file

File Formats

  • .txt - a plain ASCII text file

  • .html/.htm - an HTML file

  • .ps - a PostScript file; formatted for printing

  • .au - an audio file

  • .wav - an audio file

  • .xpm - an image file

  • .jpg - a graphical or image file, such as a photo or artwork

  • .gif - a graphical or image file

  • .png - a graphical or image file

  • .pdf - an electronic image of a document

System Files

  • .rpm - a Red Hat Package Manager file

  • .conf - a configuration file

  • .a - an archive file

  • .lock - a "lock" file; determines whether a program is in use

Programming and Scripting Files

  • .h - a C or C++ program language header file

  • .c - a C program language source code file

  • .cpp - a C++ program language source code file

  • .o - a program object file

  • .pl - a Perl script

  • .tcl - a TCL script

  • .so - a library file