What is a .DSYM file?
The file extension .DSYM represents an Xcode Debug Symbols File. This type of file is created by Apple's Xcode, which is a development software used primarily for building applications for Apple's various platforms such as macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The .DSYM file contains debugging information that is very useful for developers when they are trying to find and fix bugs in their applications.
The .DSYM files are generated during the debugging process, specifically when the Debug Information Format in Xcode is set to "DWARF with dSYM." DWARF stands for "Debugging With Attributed Record Formats" and is a standard format used to store debug information. This setting helps in creating a separate file that holds all the debug symbols, which are essentially detailed data that represent the state of the program during its execution. These symbols can include variables, functions, and memory addresses, among other things.
The debug symbols are stored in the .DSYM file so that the main executable file can be kept smaller and cleaner, which is particularly useful when the application is ready to be distributed or sold, as it ensures that the final product does not contain unnecessary debugging information.
.DSYM files are saved in a package format. To view the contents of a .DSYM file, you can right-click on the file and select "Show Package Contents" if you are using a Mac. This will allow you to see the files and folders inside the .DSYM package.
The primary program that can open and work with .DSYM files is Apple Xcode. Xcode provides the tools needed to open these files and utilize the debugging information contained within them to help developers debug their applications more effectively.
In summary, .DSYM files are crucial for developers using Xcode as they contain valuable debugging information that helps in the development and debugging of applications for Apple's platforms. These files are generated when specific settings in Xcode are enabled and can be viewed using Xcode itself.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .DSYM file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.