PE stands for the Portable Executable format, and "PE extension" typically refers to the common file extensions used by files in this format.
The term "PE extension" is not a specific technical term for a component of the Portable Executable format itself. Instead, it is generally used to refer to the file extensions commonly associated with files that are structured according to the PE format.
According to the provided information, the Portable Executable format is the standard file format for executables, object code, and Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) used in 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows operating systems. This format is fundamental to how programs and system components are loaded and executed on Windows.
Files that conform to the Portable Executable format are easily identifiable by their typical file extensions. These extensions indicate the nature and purpose of the file on the Windows operating system.
Common file extensions that utilize the PE format include:
- .exe: Executable programs. These are the primary files you run to launch applications on Windows.
- .dll: Dynamic Link Libraries. These files contain code and data that can be used by multiple programs simultaneously, promoting code reuse.
- .sys: System files, often device drivers or core operating system components.
- .obj: Object code files, typically generated by compilers before linking into an executable or library.
- .efi: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) executables, used during the boot process on modern systems.
- .scr: Screen savers, which are essentially executable files with a different extension.
- .cpl: Control Panel items, which are specialized DLLs.
Here's a simple breakdown of common file types and their associated PE extensions:
| File Type | Common PE Extensions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Executable Program | .exe, .scr | Runs applications and tasks. |
| Dynamic Library | .dll, .cpl | Shared code and data used by other programs. |
| System/Driver File | .sys | Low-level operating system or hardware interaction. |
| Object Code | .obj | Intermediate output from compilers. |
| Firmware Executable | .efi | Used during system startup on UEFI-based systems. |
Understanding the PE format and its associated extensions is crucial for software development on Windows, system administration, and even cybersecurity analysis, as the structure dictates how code is organized and executed.
