What does a file with a .zip extension represent?

A file with a .zip extension represents a compressed collection of files. The .zip format is widely used for file compression, allowing multiple files and folders to be bundled together and stored in a single file. This not only saves disk space but also facilitates easier transferring and sharing of files, as users can send or download a single .zip file instead of managing numerous individual files. When the .zip file is opened, it can be decompressed to access the original files that were compressed, maintaining their original structure and content integrity. This ability to compress and bundle files makes the .zip format a popular choice for efficiently managing data.