A File Extension

What is A file?

A files contain system libraries used by software developers. Such files are commonly found on UNIX-like systems, while Microsoft Windows systems use LIB files for the same purpose. A files provide functions and headers that can be referenced by source files. A libraries are commonly referred to as static libraries.

Resource libraries

Computer programs use two typed of resource libraries, static libraries and dynamic libraries. Static libraries (LIB or A) are typically larger then dynamic ones. Such libraries are compiled along with the target program. Dynamic libraries are connected to given program upon its execution or in the middle of program execution. Program developers can customize their code to work with various dynamically-linked libraries.

Programs which support A file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support A files. Files with A extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 06/07/2023

How to open file with A extension?

Problems with accessing A may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Static Library files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with A files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Visual Studio

Problems with opening and working with A files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with A files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Visual Studio or one to the listed programs: Text editor, gVim, Windows Notepad. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support A files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Visual Studio installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio

If you already have Microsoft Visual Studio installed on your systems and A files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Microsoft Visual Studio cannot handle files with A may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Visual Studio.

Step 3. Associate Static Library files with Microsoft Visual Studio

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate A files with latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the A file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Visual Studio is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open A files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with A extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with A extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the A file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper A file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the A in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the A file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the A file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. A file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with A extension is complete and error-free

If the A file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with A extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Static Library file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Visual Studio

If the systems has insufficient resources to open A files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Static Library file. It may be the case that the A files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the A file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on A file.