sav

Sav is a compact term used in several unrelated domains, and its meaning depends on context. In computing and digital data, it frequently appears as a file extension or shorthand for a saved state.

One common use is as a file extension for saved game data. The .sav extension is employed by many video games and emulation programs to store progress, including information about player location, character status, inventory, quest state, and world flags. Because there is no universal standard for save files, the structure and contents of .sav files vary widely between titles, and tools to read or edit them are usually game-specific or provided by third-party save editors.

Another prominent use is in data analysis software. IBM SPSS Statistics uses the .sav extension for its data files, which store datasets along with variable attributes, value labels, and metadata. SPSS .sav files are typically in a binary format and require compatible software to read, though several libraries and programs can import them for analysis.

Sav or SAV may also appear as an acronym or shorthand in different fields, depending on the organization or domain. Because it is context-dependent, the intended meaning is best inferred from surrounding text or accompanying identifiers. In summary, sav most commonly refers to saved game files or SPSS data files, with other uses varying by context.