The prefix “exe” typically signifies executable files, primarily within Microsoft Windows operating systems. These files contain instructions that a computer can directly run. A common example is setup.exe, frequently used for software installation.
Executable files are fundamental for software functionality, serving as the bridge between human-readable code and machine-understandable instructions. Their historical development is closely tied to the evolution of operating systems, becoming increasingly sophisticated as operating system capabilities expanded. Understanding this file type is essential for basic computer literacy and safe software usage.