X PixMap (.xpm)
The XPM (X PixMap) file extension is a format used for storing pixmap images, primarily in the X Window System for Unix-based systems. Developed in the late 1980s, it allows for the storage of images in plain text, making it human-readable and editable. XPM files are mainly utilized for defining icons and graphical elements in software applications. They support transparency and can be easily integrated into programming languages such as C, enhancing the customization and visual appeal of user interfaces. The format's simplicity and flexibility have cemented its role in software development and graphical design.