WAV, short for Waveform Audio File Format, is a popular audio file format used for storing sound on computers. It was developed by Microsoft and IBM in the 1990s and is known for its high-quality audio. WAV files are often used in professional music production and sound editing because they preserve the original sound without any compression, making them larger in size compared to other formats like MP3. One of the main advantages of WAV files is their ability to maintain audio fidelity, which is crucial for musicians and audio engineers. However, due to their larger file size, they may not be ideal for casual listening on portable devices. Overall, WAV is a reliable choice for anyone needing high-quality sound.