4 file types use the .abc file extension.

What is an ABC file?

Music file created in the ABC musical notation language, which stores the composition in a plain text ASCII format; can be translated and laid out in an actual score and also played back using an ABC-compatible application.

More Information

Category: Audio Files

ActionScript Byte Code File

Encoded file created by the Flash compiler when compiling ActionScript scripts ( .AS files); contains bytecode for the script, which is compiled code that is readable and executable by the ActionScript Virtual Machine (AVM or AVM2); often dynamically generated by the runtime compiler, so the user may not ever see the ABC file.

ABC files are created in a format known as the "abcFile structure." This structure is comprised of primitive data, structured data, and arrays. Primitive data include integers and floating point numbers, while structured data includes an executable code block with its constant data, type descriptors, code, and metadata. Arrays are comprised of both primitive and structured data.

NOTE: The ActionScript Virtual Machine is included with Adobe programs such as Flash and Flash Player. However, ABC files are only meant to be run by the virtual machine, not edited with these programs.

Programs that open or reference ABC files

Updated: August 23, 2010

ABC Source Code

An ABC file contains source code written in the ABC programming language . ABC was meant to be a replacement for the BASIC programming language. However, ABC is not popular, and thus, ABC files are uncommon.

Developers Leo Geurts, Lambert Meertens, and Steven Pemberton, of the Netherlands' Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), created the ABC programming language. CWI released the first version of ABC in 1987.

According to CWI , ABC is both easy to learn and use. While it was originally developed "as a language for beginners, it has evolved into a powerful tool for beginners and experts alike."

You can open an ABC file with Microsoft Visual Studio Code or any other text or source code editor. Doing so will allow you to view and edit the source code the ABC file contains.

If you want to run the program an ABC file contains, you can do so with the compiler included with ABC installations.

Programs that open ABC files

Updated: October 31, 2023

Micrografx ABC FlowCharter 6 File

Flowchart created with Micrografx ABC FlowCharter 6; can contain maps, diagrams, charts, and spreadsheets; used for business process analysis and modeling; designed to help organizations model and improve business processes.

NOTE: Micrografx ABC FlowCharter is now iGrafx FlowCharter. Recent versions of iGrafx FlowCharter can still open ABC files.

Programs that open ABC files

Updated: August 31, 2011