The Waveform Audio File Format, commonly known as WAV, is a standard audio file format used for storing uncompressed audio data on computers. Developed by Microsoft and IBM, it is widely used for high-quality sound recordings, making it popular in professional audio applications. WAV files can contain various audio codecs, but they typically store audio in a linear pulse-code modulation (PCM) format. WAV files are characterized by their large file sizes due to the lack of compression, which preserves audio quality. They are commonly used in music production, sound design, and other applications where audio fidelity is crucial. Despite their size, WAV files are compatible with most audio software and hardware, ensuring broad accessibility.