Temporary file

Alternatively referred to as a foo file, a temporary file or temp file is a file created to hold information temporarily while a file is being created. After the program has been closed, the temporary file should be deleted. Temporary files are used to help recover lost data if the program or computer is abnormally halted.

Microsoft Windows and Windows programs often create a .TMP file as a temporary file. However, the Windows temporary folder can contain any file, not just .tmp files.