A file is a collection of related elements with a filename defined by the creator.

A source file is generally the result of saving code written in assembly or high-level language as a file, as opposed to a target file and an executable file.

Source files. This refers to a file that consists of the source program and data. Usually by the terminal or input device input source program and data formed by the file are source files. It is usually composed of ASCII codes or Chinese characters.

Target file. This refers to the source program compiled by the corresponding language compiler, but has not been linked by the link program linked to the target code of the file. It is a binary file. Typically, target files have a ".obj" extension.

Executable file. This is a file that is formed by linking the compiled object code with a linking program.