What does a file extension indicate about a file?

A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename, typically consisting of a period followed by a few letters. This extension plays a crucial role in identifying the characteristics of the file and its intended use. For instance, an extension like ".txt" indicates that the file is a plain text document, while ".jpg" signifies that the file is a JPEG image. Similarly, files with extensions such as ".exe" are executable programs.

By analyzing the file extension, both users and operating systems can quickly determine how to handle the file—whether to open it with specific software, what type of content it contains, and any associated settings or procedures. This functionality highlights the importance of file extensions in organizing and managing data effectively within an operating system.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of file extensions. For example, file extensions do not provide information about a file's location on the disk, its size, or the identity of its author. These aspects are managed separately by the file system, and understanding the role of file extensions is vital for working with and categorizing different types of files.