potpourri of configuration files for FPGAs

[Altera_Forum]

why we have such a wide range of configuration files and why they all have such a huge difference in sizes when they essentially contain the same information? sof file appears to be the bulkiest.

[Altera_Forum]

Different file types used for different things. Some have more compressed bitstreams, some don't. See this online training and its follow-on: 

 https://www.altera.com/support/training/course/ocnfgsch.html

[Altera_Forum]

Thanks sstrell, I found your suggested resources helpful and were able to provide a broad overview. :)