What is a file?

A file is a collection of letters, numbers and special characters: it may be a program, a database, a dissertation, a reading list, a simple letter etc.

Sometimes you may import a file from elsewhere, for example from another computer. If you want to enter your own text or data, you will start by creating a file.

Whether you copied a file from elsewhere or created your own, you will need to return to it later in order to edit its contents.