Final answer:
An executable file contains the necessary instructions for a computer to run programs and apps, distinguished from other files such as spreadsheets by its ability to execute commands.
Step-by-step explanation:
The instructions that a computer or device needs to run programs and apps are contained within a executable file. An executable file, often denoted by file extensions such as .exe on Windows or .app on macOS, is a type of data file that contains code written in a programming language that has been compiled into a format that a computer's operating system can read and execute to perform specific tasks or run applications. Unlike a spreadsheet, which is used to organize data in rows and columns, or a file extension that merely indicates the type of file, an executable file is designed to initiate a sequence of commands when triggered.