HC File Extension

What is HC file?

HC file format consists of header files that contain necessary declarations, macro definitions, and names used in a programming project. These are text files with source code included during compilation, allowing for proper references to individual functions without the need to load their entire code. They are also referred to as include files because they are included in source code files of C-family languages with the include command.

General .HC extension for header files

The .HC extension is used by certain source code editors and integrated development environments. They are characteristic of projects written in C, C++, and related languages. The standard extension for header files is .H - from the word head, meaning header. The addition of the letter C by an editor most commonly indicates the language in which the project is written, to differentiate it from other header files. Most commonly found in Microsoft Visual Studio.

Including header files in the project

In the source code files of the program, header files are conventionally included at the beginning, in the header. This is done with the include command. It allows for increased project readability and the construction of an appropriate structure. In HC files, the following can be written in the source code:

• variable declarations,
• function declarations,
• class declarations,
• data structures.

Header files can be created by the programmer. Often, available header files from libraries, such as system libraries, are also used.

Programs which support HC file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support HC files. HC files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 05/02/2024

How to open file with HC extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening HC files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Header Data Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers software

Problems with opening and working with HC files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with HC files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers or one to the listed programs: Sublime Text, C++ Builder, NotePad++ text editor. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers to the latest version

You still cannot access HC files although Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why HC files are not compatible with Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers. The most recent version of Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Header Data Format files with Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HC files with latest version of Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the HC with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers is installed, check the Always use this app to open HC files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected HC file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 HC extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the HC file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The HC may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the HC file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the HC file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the HC file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the HC file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the HC file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Header Data Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Eclipse IDE for C/C++ Developers

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with HC extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Header Data Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with HC files affecting older versions of given software.

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