File extension CLASS
| File type | Java Bytecode Class Format |
| Developer | Oracle |
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What is a CLASS file?
File with a .CLASS extension contains a compiled Java source code in binary form, it is executable within the Java virtual machine environment – JVM. CLASS files are created as a result of using the javac compiler on a file with a .JAVA extension. The may originate from different versions of Java environment (JRE), therefore, they may not be compatible with a specific version of JVM, but still they can be run. JRE and JVM are sometimes used interchangeably, as description of environment in which Java files are executed. Currently, the Oracle Corporation develops the environment, which was acquired by Sun Microsystems.
Some programming environments which support Java enable verification of the source code and compiling it on the fly, while writing programs. It helps to prevent errors within a project and enables its faster building and running. CLASS files are usually packed into JAR files, which enable gathering files from a project or a library in one place, defined with the $CLASSPATH environment variable.
Program(s) that can open the .CLASS file
Mac OS
How to open CLASS files
If you cannot open the CLASS file on your computer - there may be several reasons. The first and most important reason (the most common) is the lack of a suitable software that supports CLASS among those that are installed on your device.
A very simple way to solve this problem is to find and download the appropriate application. The first part of the task has already been done – the software supporting the CLASS file can be found in the table. Now just download and install the appropriate application.
Possible problems with the CLASS format files
The inability to open and operate the CLASS file does not necessarily mean that you do not have an appropriate software installed on your computer. There may be other problems that also block our ability to operate the Java Bytecode Class Format file. Below is a list of possible problems.
- Corruption of a CLASS file which is being opened
- Incorrect links to the CLASS file in registry entries.
- Accidental deletion of the description of the CLASS from the Windows registry
- Incomplete installation of an application that supports the CLASS format
- The CLASS file which is being opened is infected with an undesirable malware.
- The computer does not have enough hardware resources to cope with the opening of the CLASS file.
- Drivers of equipment used by the computer to open a CLASS file are out of date.
If you are sure that all of these reasons do not exist in your case (or have already been eliminated), the CLASS file should operate with your programs without any problem. If the problem with the CLASS file has not been solved, it may be due to the fact that in this case there is also another rare problem with the CLASS file. In this case, the only you can do is to ask for assistance of a professional staff.
Similar extensions
| .a | Unix Static Object Code Library Format |
| .a2w | Alice Program World Format |
| .actx | DS Game Maker Action Description Format |
| .ada | ADA Language Source Code Format |
| .addin | Microsoft Visual Studio Addin Format |
| .ads | Ada Package Specification |
| .agi | Asterisk Gateway Interface Format |
| .alb | Alpha Five Data Dictionary |
How to associate the file with an installed software?
If you want to associate a file with a new program (e.g. my-file.CLASS) you have two ways to do it. The first and the easiest one is to right-click on the selected CLASS file. From the drop-down menu select "Choose default program", then click "Browse" and find the desired program. The whole operation must be confirmed by clicking OK. The second and more difficult to do is associate the CLASS file extension to the corresponding software in the Windows Registry.
Is there one way to open unknown files?
Many files contain only simple text data. It is possible that while opening unknown files (e.g. CLASS) with a simple text editor like Windows Notepad will allow us to see some of the data encoded in the file. This method allows you to preview the contents of many files, but probably not in such a structure as a program dedicated to support them.