File Extension
Discussion
A File Extension is a suffix associated with a Filename that conventionally identifies a file format, file type, or intended interpretation.
Examples include:
pdf json xml svg md
For example, in:
test-results.json
the File Extension is:
json
A File Extension is conventionally associated with the interpretation of a file, but it does not establish that the contents of the file actually conform to the indicated format.
For example, a file named:
report.pdf
may have the File Extension pdf, but the extension alone does not establish that the contents constitute a valid PDF document.
Some Filenames do not contain a File Extension.
Examples include:
README LICENSE Makefile
The syntax used to separate a File Extension from the remainder of a Filename is determined by the applicable naming convention or environment.
Definition
A suffix associated with a Filename that conventionally identifies a file format, file type, or intended interpretation.
Source
-
DIDO Solutions
Note
A File Extension is optional unless required by an applicable policy, naming convention, or environment.
A File Extension provides an indication of intended file interpretation and does not, by itself, establish conformance of the file contents to a particular file format.
The separator used between the Filename stem and the File Extension is representation-dependent.
Example
For the Filename:
architecture.svg
the File Extension is:
svg
For the Filename:
README
no File Extension is present.
© 2026 Dido Solutions, Inc. and Jackrabbit Consulting, Inc.