What is a .LICENSES file?
The file extension .LICENSES refers to a type of file known as a Visual Studio Licensed Classes File. This is a binary file, meaning it is formatted in a way that is primarily intended for computer processing and not directly readable by humans. The purpose of a .LICENSES file is to store runtime keys for licensed classes that are used in a software development project created with Microsoft Visual Studio.NET.
During the development of an application, when the software is being compiled and assembled, the .LICENSES file is accessed. It is used in the assembly process to ensure that all licensed components or classes in the project are correctly authorized for use. The contents of the .LICENSES file are then embedded into the final program using a tool called the Assembly Linker (AL.exe), which is part of the Visual Studio suite.
To create a .LICENSES file, developers use the License Compiler, which is included with Microsoft Visual Studio. This tool generates the .LICENSES file from .LICX files, which list the licensed components used in the project.
If you need to open or work with a .LICENSES file, you would typically use Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 or a later version. This software provides the necessary tools to handle, view, and manipulate the contents of .LICENSES files as part of managing the licenses within a Visual Studio.NET project.
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 .LICENSES file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.