.BAK:The extension that is often used to indicate a backup file.
.BAS:The extension for a Basic language source file.
base name:The part of a filename before the extension, usually 1 to 8 characters. For example, README is the base name of the filename README.TXT.
.BAT:The extension for a DOS batch file.
batch file:A file containing operating-system commands that can be run from the command line. Also called a command file.
binary file:A file that contains numbers in binary, machine-readable form. For example, an executable file is a binary file.
binary operator:An operator that takes two operands.
BIOS (basic input/output system):The code built into system memory that provides hardware interface routines for programs. You can trace into the BIOS with CodeView when using Assembly mode.
.BMP:The extension for a bitmap file.
breakpoint:A specified address where program execution halts. CodeView interrupts execution when the program reaches the address where a breakpoint is set. See also “conditional breakpoint.”
.BSC:The extension for a database file for use with the Source Browser. A .BSC file is created by BSCMAKE.
buffer:An area in memory that holds data temporarily, most often during input/output operations.