What are TMP Files?

TMP files are temporary files created by applications and operating systems to store data temporarily during processing. These files are typically created in system temp directories and are meant to be automatically deleted when no longer needed.

Temporary files serve as scratch space for applications, allowing them to work with data that doesn't fit in memory or to preserve state during operations. They're usually safe to delete when the creating application is closed.

System Cleanup: Most operating systems automatically clean up old temporary files, but manual cleanup can free up disk space.

Key Characteristics

  • Transient Nature: Designed to be temporary and disposable
  • Application-Created: Generated during program execution
  • System-Managed: Often auto-deleted by OS
  • Variable Content: Can contain any type of data
  • Hidden Location: Stored in system temp folders
  • No Standard Format: Content varies by application
  • Performance Aid: Helps with memory management
  • Crash Recovery: Sometimes used for autosave

Common Uses

  • Application scratch space during operations
  • Browser cache and download staging
  • Video rendering intermediate files
  • Document autosave and recovery
  • Installation package extraction
  • Image processing buffers
  • System update staging
  • Database transaction logs

Advantages

  • Enables applications to work with large datasets
  • Improves performance by offloading memory
  • Provides crash recovery mechanisms
  • Automatically managed by operating systems
  • Allows multistep processing workflows
  • Transparent to end users

Limitations

  • Can accumulate and consume disk space
  • May contain sensitive data after deletion
  • Orphaned files if application crashes
  • No standardized format or structure
  • Can slow down system if too many exist
  • May interfere with disk cleanup utilities

Technical Information

File extension .tmp, .temp, .$$, .~*
MIME type application/octet-stream (varies)
Common Locations %TEMP% (Windows), /tmp (Unix/Linux), ~/Library/Caches (macOS)
Typical Lifespan Session duration or until system cleanup
Auto-Cleanup Yes (OS-dependent, typically on reboot)
Security Should be deleted securely if containing sensitive data