What Is the File Extension .C?

Computer programming is the process of creating applications and programs using specialized languages that computers are capable of interpreting. There are a number of different file types used in computer programming, including those that utilize the .C file extension.

Languages

A file with the .C file extension is written in either the C or C++ or Lite-C programming languages.

Identification

.C files written in C or C++ are known as C/C++ source code files, while .C files written in Lite-C are called Lite-C scripts.

Function

Both types of .C files contain instructions that your computer follows to complete tasks. C/C++ source code files may be used for any type of program, while Lite-C scripts are most common for virtual reality applications or games.

Features

With C/C++ files, a lowercase file extension or ".c" denotes a file written in C, while an uppercase file extension or ".C" indicates the C++ language is used to produce the file.

Programs and Systems

C/C++ source code files may be opened and edited with Apple Xcode or Freescale Codewarrior on Mac OS X computers, Microsoft Developer Studio or Borland C++ on Windows and GNU Emacs or Vi on Linux machines. Lite-C scripts are opened or edited with Conitec Datasystems Lite-C, which is only available for Windows.

References

• FileInfo.com: C File Extension