A .qvf file is a QlikView application file that contains the entire application, including data, layout, and script. It is the format used for creating and saving QlikView documents.
A .qvw file is a QlikView document file that contains the data, layout, and script of a QlikView application. It is the format used for distributing and running QlikView documents.
The main difference between the two is that a .qvf file contains the entire application, including any data connections, whereas a .qvw file contains only the data and the layout of the application, with the data connections being defined separately. This allows a .qvw file to be used in a multi-user environment where the data connections are controlled by an administrator, while allowing users to access and work with the data and layout of the application. Additionally, a .qvw file can be reloaded and distributed more easily than a .qvf file.
Qlik has set the QVF format as the default format in QlikView because it offers several advantages over the QVW format. One of the main benefits of the QVF format is that it allows for better performance and scalability, as it is optimized for use with Qlik's new generation of server and cloud-based products. Additionally, the QVF format allows for more efficient collaboration and management of documents, as it supports modern version control and source management systems. Additionally, it uses a new compressed file format that reduces the file size.
Qlik has made the QVF format the default for new documents to encourage users to take advantage of these benefits and to ensure that they are using the most up-to-date and efficient file format. However, the QVW format will continue to work and will be the default storage format for existing QVWs.
