Convert PBM to XPM

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 XPM (X PixMap) file extension is a format used for storing pixmap images, primarily in the X Window System for Unix-based systems. Developed in the late 1980s, it allows for the storage of images in plain text, making it human-readable and editable. XPM files are mainly utilized for defining icons and graphical elements in software applications. They support transparency and can be easily integrated into programming languages such as C, enhancing the customization and visual appeal of user interfaces. The format's simplicity and flexibility have cemented its role in software development and graphical design.