MidiFile

A MidiFile is a digital file format used to store and transmit musical information in the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) standard. MIDI is a technical protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other associated devices to communicate and synchronize. The MidiFile format encapsulates sequences of MIDI events, such as note on/off, control changes, and timing information, enabling the reproduction of musical performances.

MidiFiles are commonly identified by the file extension .mid or .midi. They are composed of a header chunk and one or more track chunks. The header provides essential details such as format type, number of tracks, and timing information, typically in pulses per quarter note (PPQN). Each track contains a sequence of MIDI events with associated timestamps that define the performance's rhythm and articulation.

MidiFiles are widely supported across music production, performance, and playback software. They serve as a flexible way to encode musical performances, allowing for editing, arrangement, and integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs). Due to their compact size and standardized structure, MidiFiles facilitate interoperability among various hardware and software platforms.

Despite their versatility, MidiFiles do not contain audio data but rather instructions for generating sounds through MIDI-compatible instruments or software synthesizers. This characteristic allows for high customization and editing but requires appropriate sound modules to produce audible output. The use of MidiFiles is prevalent in music composition, game soundtracks, and educational tools where traditional audio files may be less adaptable for dynamic or interactive purposes.