File Extension Database

Open PCH File

PCH files are used in a number of different applications and environments, each with its own method for opening or utilizing the file. It's important to recognize the context in which the PCH file is being used to understand the best way to interact with it, as well as to ensure the proper software is applied. The following is a brief exploration into some of the primary ways to open or handle PCH files.

Precompiled Header Files

One of the most common uses for the PCH file extension is for Precompiled Header files. These are used predominantly in C and C++ programming to speed up the compilation process. When a C or C++ file is compiled, any header files included in the file are also compiled. By precompiling these headers, the time it takes to compile the whole file can be significantly reduced.

To open a PCH file that is intended to be a Precompiled Header, you'll generally need a program that can interpret C or C++, such as Microsoft Visual Studio or Eclipse. You may also be able to use a simple text editor, such as Notepad++, although the file may not be particularly human-readable.

PCH DAT files

PCH is also a file extension for DAT files used in photometrics, which are studies that measure light, such as its intensity. Photometric software like LTLab can open these file types.

These files can contain information like spectral data, color coordinates, CRI values, etc. Depending on the contents of the file, specialist software may be required to interpret the information appropriately.

Visual FoxPro

Visual FoxPro, a data-centric object-oriented and procedural programming language produced by Microsoft, also uses the PCH extension for its files. These are the precompiled header files used by FoxPro.

You can use Microsoft Visual FoxPro to open PCH files of this nature.

PCH File Important Information

It's always essential to pay attention to the context in which a PCH file is being used. This because different applications and environments require different methods to open or handle these files.

Generally, to interact with a PCH file, you'll need the software that was originally used to create it, or software that's able to interpret the data inside. For precompiled headers in C or C++, a C/C++ compiler like Microsoft Visual Studio is needed. For photometric data, specialised software like LTLab should be used. For Visual FoxPro, Microsoft's Visual FoxPro is recommended.

Frequently associated Windows objects:

VisualStudio.pch.10.0
VisualStudio.pch.9.0

How Can I Open PCH File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PCH file is to find a PCH file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PCH file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PCH file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PCH file opener then try to search online for "PCH viewer", "application to open PCH file" or "open PCH file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PCH file

How Can I Open PCH File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PCH file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PCH file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PCH file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PCH file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PCH file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PCH file then try to search for "PCH viewer", "application to open PCH file" or "read PCH file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PCH file

How Can I Open PCH File on Android

If you downloaded a PCH file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PCH file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PCH".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PCH viewer", "PCH file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PCH File on iPhone or iPad

To open PCH File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PCH file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PCH". This way you can find apps which can open PCH files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PCH viewer" or "PCH file" online in your favorite search engine.

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