File Formats (CIE IGCSE ICT)

• Generic file formats are files types that are compatible and allow sharing between different devices and software programs
• Non generic files are types that require special software or hardware to be accessed
• Generic file types are needed for the following reasons:
• Generic files allow the exchange of data across many different types of software and applications
• Generic files are widely adopted and therefore can be accessed by many users or devices
• A single generic file can be created, edited and accessed across many different devices 

Generic Images Files

• Joint Photographic Expert Group (.jpg)
  • JPEG is a widely used image file format
  • Uses the lossy compression method
  • Significantly reduces file size while maintaining acceptable image quality
  • JPEG files are commonly used for storing and transmitting digital photographs

• Portable Network Graphic (.png)
• PNG uses lossless compression
• Preserves high-quality images whilst still providing small file sizes
• Commonly used for web design, digital illustrations, logos, and icons
• Its transparency support allows its graphics to be placed into different backgrounds easily

• Portable Document Format (.pdf)
• Widely used file format with its
• Ability to retain the layout and formatting of documents across a range of platforms
• Documents contain text, images, graphics, and even interactive elements. 
• Can be password protected to stop unauthorised users from editing
• Allows users to  provide a digital signature feature acting as a digital ‘ink signature’

• Graphics Interchange Format (.gif)
• Used for short, animated images and simple graphics
• Use a lossless compression algorithm
• Maintain high image quality while keeping file sizes small
• Used in online platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and websites

 Generic Video Files

• Moving pictures expert group layer 4 (.mp4)
  • A multimedia container rather than a single file format
  • Can be used for video, image, and audio types
  • Uses advanced compression techniques to achieve high-quality video playback 
  • The compression algorithm keeps file sizes relatively small
  • Popular for streaming and transferring videos online

• Quicktime Movie (.mov)
• A multimedia container format developed by Apple 
• Used for storing video, audio, and other media data
• Can maintain excellent image quality while retaining smaller file sizes 
• Suitable for both online streaming and local playback
• Widely used in professional video editing, film production, and multimedia projects

Generic Audio Files

• Moving pictures expert group layer 3 (.mp3)
  • A very popular audio file format known for its high-quality compression algorithm
  • Allows for a significant reduction in file size but minimal differences to sound quality
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices and audio streaming platforms 
  • Become the standard format for digital music distribution

• Waveform File Audio format (.wav)
• Uncompressed audio file format known for its high lossless quality 
• Preserves the original audio waveform. 
• Commonly used in the music industry, broadcast, and multimedia production, where audio quality is the top priority 

Generic Text Files

• Text (.txt)
  • Used for storing plain text data
  • Contains only human-readable text without any additional formatting or styling
  • Extensively supported across different platforms and applications 
  • Can be opened and edited using a word processor or basic text editor

• Rich Text Format (.rtf)
• RTF is a file format used for storing formatted text documents that can contain different text styles, fonts, colours, and other basic formatting elements
• They can be opened and edited using a wide range of text editors and word processors, making them suitable for creating documents that require basic formattings, such as letters, reports, and academic papers

• Comma separated values (.csv)
• A plain text file format used for storing data in a structured manner
• Consist of rows and columns, with each cell separated by a comma 
• Widely supported 
• Easy to import and export data between different applications and platforms
• Commonly used for tasks involving data analysis, database management 
• Can be easily opened and edited using spreadsheet software

Generic Compressed Files

• Zip (.zip)
  • A container used for compression 
  • Allows multiple files and folders to be compressed into a single, smaller-sized archive
  • Uses lossless compression algorithms to reduce file sizes
  • Compression preserves original content 
  • Convenient for bundling multiple files into a single package 

• Roshal archive (.rar)
• A container used for compression 
• similar to .ZIP, however, it uses a proprietary compression algorithm
• Generally results in higher compression ratios compared to other formats
• Commonly used for sharing files over the internet and when space-saving is essential

Generic Web Development & Browsing Files

• Hypertext Markup Language (.html)
  • A global file format used for creating and structuring web pages
  • Contain text-based code that defines the structure, layout, and content of a webpage
  • Rendered by web browsers, allowing users to view and interact with web pages
  • Used across many different devices and platforms

• Cascading Style Sheets (.css)
• A file format that is attached to an HTML document
• Used to determine presentation and styling such as colours, fonts, layout, and positioning
• Is widely used in web development to create responsive and attractive designs