What are .bat, .com, and .exe file formats?
- .bat (Batch File): The command interpreter runs a number of commands contained in a .bat file, a type of script file or program. People commonly use this kind of files to automate redundant activities and implement a series of commands in a definite arrangement. batch files are just simple texts ending with a .bat extension.
- .com (Command File): One of the oldest executable file formats in the history of computing is the .com file format, which stands for command file. It is nothing but a binary file with machine language instructions which go straight into the operating system without any interpreter or compiler.
- .exe (Executable File): Of these three, the most popular one is probably the .exe file format. Executable file and the machine code which is interpreted directly by the operating system. They use the .exe files for distributing software on Windows operating systems.
Program File Formats
Program file formats play a crucial role in computer application running. The format of these files specifies how information is represented in them, making it possible for the computers to understand what the codes mean. In this article, we will delve into three common program file formats: .bat, .com, and .exe. Their meaning, ways of execution, advantages and disadvantages as well as applications where they can be used and malware in them respectively will be explored here.
Table of Content
- What are .bat, .com, and .exe file formats?
- Uses of Program File Formats
- How to Run
- Benefits of Program File Formats
- Limitations of Program File Formats
- Applications that Use Program File Formats
- Malware Concerns Associated with Program File Formats
- Conclusion