What is the term for extra data stored in a file that provides information about the file's properties?

The term for extra data stored in a file that provides information about the file's properties is metadata. Metadata includes details such as the file's size, format, creation date, and modification date, as well as any other relevant information that describes the content and context of the file. This additional layer of information is essential for file management systems, allowing users and programs to understand and organize files effectively.

Attributes, while related, generally refer to the specific properties assigned to files, such as read-only or hidden status, rather than encompassing all the information that metadata covers. Context typically refers to the situational aspects surrounding data, which does not point to specific file properties. The term data layer is more abstract and can refer to multiple layers of data storage or processing in various contexts, but it does not specifically describe information about file properties.