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C File - What is a .c file and how do I open it?
Learn about .C files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a C file? A C file is a source code file for a C or C++ program. It may include an entire program's source code or may be one of many source files referenced within a programming project. Users can edit C files with source code and plain text editors, then compile them with a C/C++ compiler for the target platform before the code can be run.
More Information C file open in Microsoft Visual Studio Code 1.33 Dennis Ritchie originally developed the C programming language to create Unix utilities in Bell Labs in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Since the 1970s, the popularity of C has grown, and many users have learned and used the language to develop operating systems, database management systems, games, and more. In addition, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have also standardized the C programming language since 1989. The language has also influenced many programming languages, including C++, PHP, Perl, Python, Java, and JavaScript. For example, C++ is an extension of the C programming language and was released in the mid-1980s. Developers use the language to create many of today's software programs. The C++ language may be stored in C, .CC , .CPP , .CXX , and C++ source code files. 💡 Some Unix compilers use a lowercase .c extension for C and an uppercase .C extension for C++, although this convention is not common.
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DeveloperConitec Datasystems
Popularity2.8 | 31 Votes
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In-Depth
.C File Extension
2 file types use the .c file extension.
C/C++ Source Code File
| Developer | ANSI/ISO |
| Popularity |
4.1 Â |Â 253Â Votes |
| Â |
NEW: Open your .C file online with File Helper . View Online
What is a C file?
A C file is a source code file for a C or C++ program. It may include an entire program's source code or may be one of many source files referenced within a programming project. Users can edit C files with source code and plain text editors, then compile them with a C/C++ compiler for the target platform before the code can be run.
More Information
C file open in Microsoft Visual Studio Code 1.33
Dennis Ritchie originally developed the C programming language to create Unix utilities in Bell Labs in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Since the 1970s, the popularity of C has grown, and many users have learned and used the language to develop operating systems, database management systems, games, and more. In addition, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have also standardized the C programming language since 1989.
The language has also influenced many programming languages, including C++, PHP, Perl, Python, Java, and JavaScript. For example, C++ is an extension of the C programming language and was released in the mid-1980s. Developers use the language to create many of today's software programs. The C++ language may be stored in C, .CC , .CPP , .CXX , and C++ source code files.
💡 Some Unix compilers use a lowercase
.c
extension for C and an uppercase
.C
extension for C++, although this convention is not common.
Common C Filenames
main.c - A source code file typically containing the main() function, or entry point, for a C program.
How to open a C file
You can open and edit C files with various source code editors, including Microsoft Visual Studio Code (multiplatform), Code Blocks (multiplatform), and Apple Xcode (macOS). These applications offer helpful features, such as syntax highlighting and auto-completion for viewing and editing C/C++ code.
You can also open and edit CPP files with a plain text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad (bundled with Windows) or Apple TextEdit (bundled with macOS). However, these text editors do not provide helpful source code editing features.
C/C++ compilers
You can compile the C/C++ code stored in C files to code that can be run on a computer with various free and commercial compilers . Some compilers include Microsoft Visual Studio (Windows), GNU Compiler Collection (multiplatform), Eclipse IDE for C Developers (multiplatform), and Apple Xcode (macOS).
Programs that open C files
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Platform
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Windows
File Viewer Plus
—
Get it from Microsoft
Free +
Microsoft Visual Studio 2022
Free +
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Free
Eclipse IDE for C Developers
Free
Code::Blocks
Free
Embarcadero C++Builder
Free Trial
Borland C++Builder
Free Trial
ES-Computing EditPlus
Free Trial
Bloodshed Software Dev-C++
Free
ZinjaI
Free
gVim
Free
Mac
Apple Xcode
Free
Eclipse IDE for C Developers
Free
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Free
Code::Blocks
Free
MacroMates TextMate
Free
Freescale CodeWarrior Development Tools
Free Trial
ZinjaI
Free
Linux
Eclipse IDE for C Developers
Free
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Free
Code::Blocks
Free
ZinjaI
Free
GNU Emacs
Free
Vim
Free
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
Android
File Viewer for Android
Free +
Category: Developer Files
Updated: March 8, 2023
Lite-C Script
| Developer | Conitec Datasystems |
| Popularity |
2.8 Â |Â 31Â Votes |
| Â |
Script written in lite-C, a programming language designed for easily developing graphics and virtual reality applications; uses a syntax similar to C/C++ and is compiled on-the-fly by lite-C.
More Information
Lite-C includes an ABT (Adaptive Binary Tree) rendering engine, programmable particle effects, a body physics and collision engine, and play functions for sound, music, and movie files.
Programs that open C files
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Conitec Datasystems lite-C
Conitec Datasystems Gamestudio
Category: Developer Files
Updated: July 16, 2009