The preservation of progress within the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas environment relies on a specific data file. This file contains player actions, mission completion status, character attributes, and world state at a given point. For example, a player might create such a file after completing a difficult mission or acquiring valuable in-game assets.
These digital records offer several key advantages. They allow for repeated enjoyment of previously achieved milestones without requiring replay. Moreover, they enable experimentation with different strategies and choices from established states. Historically, the ability to retain in-game states has been crucial for complex or lengthy games, providing a convenient mechanism for returning to the experience at will.