a file that does something useful when you "run" it, as opposed to a "data" file Programs are often called "executables" and have file names ending in " exe" or " com", because they are a collections of commands that the computer "executes" Program files include other files that help the primary program do things Such helper files have extensions like " dll" or "ini"
On an IBM PC or compatible computer, an executable file that starts an application or program A program file has an EXE, PIF, COM, or BAT filename extension