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Open files with C extension quick and easy. 4 steps

It can be very frustrating when you have a C file and you cannot open it. But do not worry, in most cases solution to your problem is very simple. Follow the instruction in steps 1-4 listed below and you should be able to solve your problem and open the C file with ease.

  1. 1. C File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) C file?
  3. 3. How to open C file?
    1. 3.1 Check the C file for errors
    2. 3.2 How to solve encountered problems?
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that can open C files
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

C File Extension

File
  • File type C/C++ Source Code Format
  • File developer N/A
  • File category Developer Files
  • File popularity rating
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What is a(n) C file?

The C (C/C++ Source Code Format) is a file type which contains source code written in the C or C++ programming language. It often has the .c or .cpp file extension, and can be developed with a text editor, as well as a multitude of specialized C/C++ coding applications. C/C++ files typically contain functions, declarations, and variables which define how a program should run.

These files serve as the “text” components of software development. Once compiled into an executable program using a compiler, the code is converted into machine language which can be understood and ran by a computer system. Compiling the source code creates an object file containing the compiled code, and associated linking files as well.

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How to open C file?

C file icon should be displayed in a manner characteristic to the program which supports such file type. If C file icon is of the form of generic blank page icon or similar it means that given format is not associated with any program installed on the system. Below are listed some of the most popular causes of such situation

Check the C file for errors

  • No program that supports C files is installed on the system
  • No program that supports C files is associated with this extension (system registry has no entries related to programs that should be used to open C files)
  • The file is of unknown or unverified origin and is most probably infected. In such case user must exercise extreme caution in order not to allow the virus propagate to other files in the system (follow the instructions displayed in the dialog box in your antivirus software.
  • C file may be incomplete, which will prevent the system from opening it (this could be the case with file downloaded from the internet or copied from other sources)
  • The file is corrupted

How to solve encountered problems?

In order to solve the following problems, follow the instructions:

Step 1. Select, download and install relevant software. The list of programs supporting files with C extension can be found below:

Programs that can open C files

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux

Step 2. Associate software supporting C with this file format

  1. Right-click on the C file
  2. Select "Open with" option
  3. Choose appropriate program from the list and select the location where the program is installed
  4. Confirm your selection by clicking on the "OK" button

Step 3. Scan the C file using an antivirus software

Step 4. Verify whether the file has been properly downloaded from the internet or copied from an external storage medium. If not, then re-download or copy the file again.

In 95% of cases following these steps should solve problems with C files. Sometimes, although rarely, the cause of encountered problems may be different.

Last resort – an IT expert

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Should all the above-mentioned solutions fail to resolve problems with C file extensions, there is one last thing you can do – contact an IT expert. You can also try to contact one of the developers of software that supports C files.

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