An executable file is a type of computer file that contains instructions that can be executed by a computer's operating system. When you run an executable file, the operating system loads the instructions into memory and executes them, causing the computer to perform a specific task or set of tasks. Executable files are the primary way that software programs are distributed and run on computers. They can contain a wide variety of code, including machine code, interpreted code, or a combination of both. The specific format of an executable file depends on the operating system and the architecture of the computer. Executable files are essential for running applications, games, and other software on a computer. They are typically created by software developers using programming languages and development tools. Due to their ability to execute code, executable files can also be a vector for malware, so it's important to only run executable files from trusted sources.