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C File

What are C files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a C file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a C file?

C files have multiple uses, and C Source Code is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

C Source Code File

Files that contain the .c file extension normally contain source code that has been written for C or C++ programs. The C file may contain the source code for an entire program or a single source file that is to be referenced within a specific programming project.

The C programming language was developed as a general-purpose computer language by Dennis Ritchie. It was initially intended to be used for Unix operating systems. In 1983 the C++ programming language was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup as an enhancement to the original C language. Both the C and C+++ languages are two of the most widely-used programming languages in use today.

How to open C files

We have identified six C openers that are compatible with this specific type of C file.

Programs that open C Source Code files

Last updated: February 24, 2023

All known file formats using extension .C

While C Source Code File is a popular type of C-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .C file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Compact Compressed Data File

We know that one C format is Compact Compressed Data File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different C openers which you will find listed below.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of C files. Remember, different programs may use C files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Code::BlocksCode::BlocksUser submitted
Dev-C++Dev-C++User submitted
Atmel StudioAtmel StudioUser submitted
Borland C++Borland C++User submitted
Edge Code CCEdge Code CCUser submitted
progeCAD ProfessionalprogeCAD ProfessionalUser submitted
jGRASPjGRASPUser submitted
BracketsBracketsUser submitted
Atmel AVRStudioAtmel AVRStudioUser submitted
Altium DesignerAltium DesignerUser submitted

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about C file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.