Filename extension is a term used to describe the suffix that is added to the end of a computer file name. This extension is used by computer operating systems to identify the type of file and associate it with the appropriate program. While the term "filename extension" is widely used, there are other synonyms that can be used to describe the same thing. For example, file type, file format, file suffix, and simply extension can all be used interchangeably. It is important to understand these synonyms in order to effectively search for and work with computer files on a regular basis.