Andmefaili

Andmefaili is the Estonian term for a data file. In computing, a data file is a digital container that stores information for use by software. The form andmefaili is the genitive singular of andmefail, which literally combines andmed (data) and fail (file). The term is used to refer to any file that contains data meant to be read, processed, or exchanged by programs.

Data files can be stored on local devices, servers, or in cloud environments, and they may be encoded in plain text or in binary formats. Text-based data files include formats such as .txt, .csv, .json, and .xml, which are typically easy to read and parse. Binary data files include a wide range of specialized formats that may require specific software to interpret, such as .bin, .dat, or proprietary formats used by particular applications. Data files can be structured, with a defined schema, semi-structured, such as JSON or XML, or unstructured, containing free-form content.

Common characteristics of data files include metadata, which describes the file’s content, origin, and integrity, and encodings or standards that determine how data is stored and interpreted. Data files are created, modified, stored, transmitted, and consumed as part of data management, software operation, and digital workflows. Proper handling includes considerations of data quality, privacy, security, and backups to ensure reliable use and long-term accessibility.