File Extension Database

Open WDL File

WDL is a file extension that can refer to multiple file types. While both file types may share the same extension, their structure and usage can differ significantly. This article focuses on two primary formats with the WDL file extension: WebDNA script files and Work Description Language files for Galaxy tools, outlining how to open, use, and edit each type and providing valuable resources for further research.

WebDNA Script Files

WebDNA is a development and database platform that enables developers to create dynamic and interactive websites. A file with the .wdl extension in this context could be a WebDNA Script file, containing both the raw HTML and the server-side code written in WebDNA. The primary aim of these files is to make the website content dynamic and easily customizable. To work with this file format:

1. Opening WebDNA Script Files

To open and edit WebDNA script files, one would need a text editor that supports syntax highlighting and formatting. Some popular text editors that can open WDL files include Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, or Atom. To open a WDL file with one of these text editors, simply right click on the file, choose "Open With", and select the desired text editor. Alternatively, one can open the text editor first and then use it to open the file.

2. Converting WebDNA Script Files

WebDNA script files can be converted to another file format such as HTML, generating a static web page from the dynamic content provided by the script. One can use a WebDNA server to host and render the WDL file on a web browser. To do this, set up a local WebDNA server or use a web hosting service that supports WebDNA, and access the WDL file through the host. More information on WebDNA can be found on their official website.

Work Description Language Files for Galaxy Tools

In the context of the Galaxy project, WDL stands for Workflow Description Language. Galaxy is an open-source, web-based platform for data-intensive biomedical research. WDL files in this situation contain specifications for workflows, which define the order and parameters for tools and scripts used in Galaxy. This file format is essential for reproducible and shareable workflows. To work with this type of file format:

1. Opening WDL Files in Galaxy

To open WDL files in the Galaxy platform, import the workflow from your local machine. Navigate to the Workflows section in Galaxy, click "Import", and upload the WDL file saved on your computer. Once the file is uploaded, the workflow will be available in your list of workflows to run within Galaxy. For more information on working with workflows in Galaxy, visit the Galaxy Training Network.

2. Editing WDL Files

WDL files can also be edited using a text editor that supports YAML syntax highlighting, such as Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, or Atom. You can open a WDL file in the Galaxy platform, export the workflow as a file, edit the file as needed in a text editor, and re-import the modified WDL file back into Galaxy.

WDL File Important Information

While both WebDNA script files and Workflow Description Language files share the WDL file extension, their use and content differ substantially. In both cases, using a text editor compatible with the respective syntax will enable users to open, use, and edit WDL files successfully. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific file type and required software to ensure a seamless experience with WDL files.

How Can I Open WDL File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open WDL file is to find a WDL file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WDL 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 WDL 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 WDL file opener then try to search online for "WDL viewer", "application to open WDL file" or "open WDL file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open WDL file

How Can I Open WDL File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a WDL file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WDL 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 WDL file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as WDL file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open WDL file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open WDL file then try to search for "WDL viewer", "application to open WDL file" or "read WDL file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read WDL file

How Can I Open WDL File on Android

If you downloaded a WDL 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 WDL 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 "WDL".
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 "WDL viewer", "WDL 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 WDL File on iPhone or iPad

To open WDL 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 WDL 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 "WDL". This way you can find apps which can open WDL 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 "WDL viewer" or "WDL file" online in your favorite search engine.

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