VCF, or Variant Call Format, is a text file format used in bioinformatics to store information about genetic variants. It is commonly used to represent differences in DNA sequences, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions or deletions (indels). VCF files contain metadata, genotype information, and annotations that help researchers understand the significance of these variants. The VCF format is widely utilized in genomic studies, including those related to personalized medicine and population genetics. It allows for efficient data sharing and analysis, making it easier for scientists to collaborate and interpret genetic information across different studies and databases.