(1) A database or data file that is currently being heavily accessed by users. In a hierarchical storage management system (HSM), file I/O may be constantly monitored in order to migrate the hot files to the fastest storage devices or to internal memory for better performance. See
HSM.
(2) A popular file. For example, a website that deals with music, movies, freeware (virtually any subject) may feature the most popular titles or programs by calling them "hot files."