Data file

A data file is a computer file which stores data for use by a computer application or system. It generally does not refer to files that contain instructions or code to be executed (typically called program files), or to files which define the operation or structure of an application or Computer systemsystem (which include configuration files, directory files, etc.); but specifically to information used as input, and/or written as output by some other software program. This is especially helpful when debugging a program.