The Variant Call Format (VCF) is a text file format used to store information about genetic variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions or deletions (indels). It is commonly used in bioinformatics to represent differences between a reference genome and sequenced genomes, making it easier to analyze genetic variations across different samples. VCF files contain a header section that describes the file's metadata and a data section that lists the variants. Each variant entry includes details like its position in the genome, the reference and alternate alleles, and quality metrics. This format is widely supported by various bioinformatics tools and databases, facilitating genomic research and analysis.