What is a .CH file?
A .CH file is a type of file known as a Clipper Header File. It is used in programming, specifically with the Clipper and Harbour programming languages. These files contain important code elements like pre-processor directives and external declarations. These elements are used to set up or define certain behaviors before the actual program code runs in .PRG files, which are program files written in Clipper or Harbour.
To use a .CH file, programmers include it in their .PRG files with a special command called the #include directive. This makes managing large programs easier because you can change common settings or declarations in one .CH file instead of changing many .PRG files.
Originally, .CH files were associated with the Clipper programming language, which was popular for creating MS-DOS applications in the mid-1980s. Clipper was developed by Nantucket Corporation and later became known as CA-Clipper after the company was acquired by Computer Associates in 1992. Although Clipper is not widely used today, the Harbour programming language, which is a modern variant, still supports .CH files.
To open a .CH file, you can use the Harbour program, which is specifically designed for working with Clipper and Harbour languages. Additionally, since .CH files are essentially text files, any text editor like Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on macOS, or other similar programs can open them. For a more tailored experience, especially if you are developing software, you might use specialized tools like Harbour MiniGUI, which provides more features suited to handling .CH files and other aspects of Harbour programming.
In summary, .CH files are crucial for developers working with Clipper or Harbour languages, allowing them to manage and reuse code efficiently. These files can be opened with specific programming tools or any basic text editor.
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