SQL Server uses MDF for data files and LDF for log files, but what are NDF files?
Whats the benefits of these files?
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An NDF file is a user defined secondary database file of Microsoft SQL Server with an extension .ndf, which store user data. Moreover, when the size of the database file growing automatically from its specified size, you can use .ndf file for extra storage and the .ndf file could be stored on a separate disk drive. Every NDF file uses the same filename as its corresponding MDF file. We cannot open an .ndf file in SQL Server Without attaching its associated .mdf file.
Secondary data files are optional, are user-defined, and store user data. Secondary files can be used to spread data across multiple disks by putting each file on a different disk drive. Additionally, if a database exceeds the maximum size for a single Windows file, you can use secondary data files so the database can continue to grow.
Source: MSDN: Understanding Files and Filegroups
The recommended file name extension for secondary data files is .ndf, but this is not enforced.
Source: Stackoverflow.com