I cannot open a PYC file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with PYC files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening PYC will be resolved!
PYC File Extension
- File type Python Compiled Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Executable Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PYC file?
PYC (Python Compiled Format) is a compiled bytecode format used by the Python programming language. It is analogous to the Java class file format, containing the bytecode that will be interpreted by the Python virtual machine (PyVM). PYC files usually have a “.pyc” extension and are stored in the same directory as the source Python code. PYC files allow programs written in Python to run without needing to re-compile the code each time.
The Python interpreter can interpret bytecode stored in a PYC file more quickly than it can interpret code written in Python source code form. The bytecode is created when a program is first executed, allowing subsequent executions to skip the compilation step and significantly speed up execution times compared to running the original source code.
How to open PYC file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with PYC extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports PYC files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open PYC files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support PYC files
Step 2. Verify whether PYC files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports PYC files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with PYC files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support PYC files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open PYC files with the selected program.
Changing PYC file association in registry
File association for PYC files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check PYC file for other errors
- PYC file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening PYC files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected PYC file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For PYC files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
