A data file is a computer file which stores data to use by a computer application or system. It generally does not refer to files that contain instructions or code to be executed (typically called program files), or to files which define the operation or structure of an application or system (which include configuration files, directory files, etc.); but specifically to information used as input, or written as output by some other software program. This is especially helpful when debugging a program.
Most computer programs work with files. This is because files help in storing information permanently. Database programs create files of information. Compilers read source files and generate executable files. A file itself is a bunch of bytes stored on some storage device like tape, magnetic disk, Optical disk etc. The data files are the files that store data pertaining to a specific application, for later use.
Read more about Data File: Storage Types of Data File, Stream, The Fstream.h Header File, Opening and Closing Files in C++, The Concept of File Modes, Steps To Process A File in Your Program, File Handling in C++, File Pointers and Random Access, Error Handling During File I/O, Data File Categories
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