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A filename is a unique name given to a computer file to distinguish it from others in a system. It often includes an extension, a series of characters following a period that identifies the file's type and the application needed to open it, such as .docx for a Word document. Filenames and extensions are governed by the specific rules of an operating system.

Function: Filenames allow users and the computer to access, organize, and identify individual files.

Structure: A basic filename consists of a name and an extension, separated by a period (e.g., report.txt).

Extension: The extension (e.g., xlsx, jpg, mp3) classifies the file type, telling the operating system which program to use to open it.

System Limitations: Operating systems place restrictions on filenames, such as maximum length or allowed characters.