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A File - What is an .a file and how do I open it?
Learn about .A files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is an A file? An A file contains a library of functions and headers that may be referenced by a C/C++ source file. It may store only a few functions or may include an entire library of functions, such as a 3D modeling engine. A files are typically created by the GNU ar utility.
More Information A static libraries are more common in Unix-like systems than in Windows systems. In Windows, static libraries typically use the ".lib" extension instead of the ".a" extension. NOTE: Using static libraries may result in larger program files, but enables faster loading times compared to dynamic libraries.
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.A File Extension
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What is an A file?
An A file contains a library of functions and headers that may be referenced by a C/C++ source file. It may store only a few functions or may include an entire library of functions, such as a 3D modeling engine. A files are typically created by the GNU ar utility.
More Information
A static libraries are more common in Unix-like systems than in Windows systems. In Windows, static libraries typically use the ".lib" extension instead of the ".a" extension.
NOTE: Using static libraries may result in larger program files, but enables faster loading times compared to dynamic libraries.
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Programs that open or reference A files
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Windows
Microsoft Visual Studio 2022
Free +
Microsoft Notepad
Included with OS
gVim
Free
Other text editor
Mac
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)
Free
Apple TextEdit
Included with OS
Bare Bones BBEdit
Free Trial
MacVim
Free
Other text editor
Linux
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)
Free
Sun Studio C/C++ Compiler
Vi
GNU Emacs
Free
Other text editor
Category: Developer Files
Updated: February 22, 2018