The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DATABASE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
A
T
A
B
A
S
E
More clues leading to the result DATABASE
- Lead for device at humble computer store
- It’s bad at sea, stormy – lots of info here
- Boatman takes a second in meeting to get the information organised
- Collection of facts supplied by sailor while in court
- Where figures might be raising a little, then low
- Files a bit around foot
- Bit about disgrace when a whole lot of information is needed
- Computerised information turned a little mean
- Digital audiotape put down information in electronic form
- Degree at college finally includes a graduate’s computer files
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Files" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case files = database.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DATABASE mean?
DATABASE noun- (general) A collection of (usually) organized information in a regular structure, usually but not necessarily in a machine-readable format accessible by a computer.
- A set of tables in a database(1).
- A software program for storing, retrieving and manipulating a database(1).
- A combination of (1) and (2).
- To enter data into a database.