Difference between Program and File (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 15 Dec, 2020

**1. Program :**Program, as name suggest, are simple executable files that contain set or collection of instructions used by computer to execute or complete particular tasks as well as produce results you want.**2. File :**File, as name suggests, is basic concept in computer that is designed to store data or information also known as common storage unit in computer and must have a unique name within given file directory.
Difference between Program and File :

Program	File
Programs are collection of instructions interpreted by CPU.	File is way of recording data or information in computer.
These set of instructions are stored in a file.	These are normally stored on hard disk.
Types of programs include application program, system program such as word processors, operating system, database system, etc.	Types of computer files can be JPEG, PNG, GIF, PDF, MP4, etc.
Programs are used to perform particular tasks or functions.	Files are used to store picture, video, computer program, written message, etc.
Programs are created using programming languages that computer can execute.	Files are developed with help of software program.
Programs are usually binary machine language or format that can be processed by run time interpreter.	Files are usually organized in file system and into one-dimensional arrays of bytes.
Programs are hard to handle and can be edited only by highly skills programmers.	Files are easy to handle and can be edited and transferred through internet.
It helps one to understand computer, increases confidence level programmers, etc.	It helps to enhance data integrity, reduces duplication, security of data, easier to update and modify information.