Convert PBM to PAM

The PBM (Portable Bitmap) file extension, part of the Netpbm project, originated in the late 1980s to facilitate efficient and portable graphics file interchange. Primarily, PBM files are used to store monochrome bitmaps in a simple ASCII text format, ensuring easy compatibility across different systems and platforms. This format supports only black-and-white imagery, making it particularly useful in scenarios where simplicity and minimalism are prioritized, such as in Unix environments for bitmap manipulation and transfer. Its historical significance lies in promoting a standardized approach to bitmap graphics in early computer technology.

The PAM (Portable Arbitrary Map) file extension is a versatile bitmap format used primarily in UNIX-based systems. It extends the Portable Any Map (PNM) format, supporting 2-dimensional image data storage in a binary format with an ASCII header. Introduced to enhance flexibility and interoperability in image processing, PAM files are utilized for various graphical applications, offering a standardized method for handling diverse image types. This format's history traces back to the need for a more adaptable and comprehensive bitmap solution within the PNM family.