TMP files are temporary files created to store information temporarily, either for a programs intermediate use or for transfer to a permanent file when complete. They are named after the file extension ‘.TMP’, and are commonly known as ‘temporary’ or ‘temp’ files. TMP files are typically created for backup, storage, or cache purposes by a program or operating system, and are usually generated to store information when memory is needed for another task, or to prevent data loss when programs perform certain functions.

TMP files are usually located in the standard temporary directory, /tmp on Unix machines or %TEMP% (which is log-in specific) on Windows machines. They are created automatically by software programs and are sometimes created as an invisible file. TMP files may also be created to contain information temporarily while a new file is being generated.

Most of the time, TMP files are deleted automatically when the program that created them finishes using them, or when you close the program that created them, or when you shut down your computer. However, TMP files may accumulate on your system if the program that created them crashes, or if the developer of the application forgot to insert a piece of necessary code.

It is not always safe to delete TMP files. Files that are a few weeks old or more can be removed without any problem, but files that are currently open or still required by a particular program should not be deleted. If you are unsure whether or not you can delete a particular file, you can check the metadata by right-clicking on the file and selecting ‘Properties’ .

TMP files can be opened with the same program that created them on your computer. However, most TMP files are not meant to be opened, and while you can open a TMP file in Microsoft Notepad (Windows) or another text editor, the file may not be human-readable.