Variant Call File Format

**Semantic type:** Qualitative Concept

**Definition:** A text-based electronic file used for storing gene sequence variation data. The first text section is composed of a header containing the metadata and keywords used in the file. This is followed by the body of the file which is tab-separated into eight mandatory data columns for each sample. Additionally, the body of the file can include an unlimited number of optional columns to record other sample-related data.

**Synonyms:** - VCF - VCF - Variant Call File - Variant Call File - Variant Call Format