A torrent file is a computer file that contains metadata about files and folders to be distributed over the internet using the BitTorrent file distribution system. It usually includes a list of the network locations of trackers, which are computers that help participants in the system find each other and form efficient distribution groups called swarms. Torrent files are normally named with the extension .torrent. A torrent file acts like a table of contents (index) that allows computers to find information through the use of a BitTorrent client. With the help of a torrent file, one can download small parts of the original file from computers that have already downloaded it. These "peers" allow for downloading of the file in addition to, or in place of, the primary server. A torrent file does not contain the content to be distributed. Instead, it contains metadata that describes the to-be-downloaded content and tells BitTorrent where to download the content from. When the user opens the file in a BitTorrent client, the client automates the rest of the process. The BitTorrent protocol can break large files into small chunks and help the client connect to and download them from other users. Torrents use a protocol called BitTorrent, which is used to manage the download and upload of files between users. BitTorrent splits downloads among multiple nodes, retrieving pieces of each downloaded file from separate computers and assembling the pieces during the download process, which speeds up the download process.

In summary, a torrent file is a small file that contains information about the file or folder to be shared and the network locations of trackers. It acts as a table of contents that allows computers to find information through the use of a BitTorrent client. The BitTorrent protocol breaks large files into small chunks and helps the client connect to and download them from other users, which speeds up the download process.