<graphics> A small picture intended to represent something (a
file, directory, or action) in a graphical user interface.
When an icon is clicked on, some action is performed such as
opening a directory or aborting a file transfer.
Icons are usually stored as bitmap images. Microsoft
Windows uses a special bitmap format with file name extension
".ico" as well as embedding icons in executable (".exe") and
Dynamically Linked Library (DLL) files.
The term originates from Alan Kay's theory for designing
interfaces which was primarily based on the work of Jerome
Bruner. Bruner's second developmental stage, iconic, uses a
system of representation that depends on visual or other
sensory organization and upon the use of summarising images.
