File Extension Database

Open IDL File

IDL, short for Interface Definition Language, is a type of file format extensively used in software development. Typically, these files, with the .idl extension, are used to define interfaces that client and server programs use to communicate in a networked computing system. Additionally, IDL can also stand for Interactive Data Language, which uses .idl extension files for scientific visualization and data analysis. It's pertinent to note the use and operation of these file formats as it varies based on the purpose they're designed to serve. This article will discuss these two main uses in further detail.

Interface Definition Language (IDL)

The Interface Definition Language (IDL), is a language used to define interfaces and their associated method and data types, primarily used in component-based development. IDL allows developers to write applications that can communicate with other objects, irrespective of the language those objects are written in, as long as they communicate via the interface.

IDL files are generally associated with Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), Component Object Model (COM), and Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) technologies. The IDL files are compiled by the MIDL compiler, and the stubs generated are used by the client and server applications written in different languages to communicate effectively. To open and compile these IDL files, developers typically use MIDL (Microsoft Interface Definition Language).

Interactive Data Language (IDL)

On the other hand, IDL (Interactive Data Language) is a high-level programming language used for data analysis, visualization, and cross-platform application development. It's widely used by scientists and engineers to interpret and visualize scientific data. Files with the .idl extension, in this case, are scripts written in IDL code.

To open and use an IDL file for data analysis or visualization, you'd need the IDL development software. Harris Geospatial's IDL development environment allows you to write, compile, and execute these IDL files. Notwithstanding, there are other scripting environments or text editors such as Emacs and Sublime Text that can open these .idl files for editing, but you'd still need the IDL development software to execute the script.

IDL File Important Information

It's crucial to remember that understanding the context of an IDL file is very important as there is more than one application that uses the .idl file extension. Remember, the approach to open and use .idl files differs based on whether it is an Interface Definition Language (IDL) file used for software development or an Interactive Data Language (IDL) file used for data analysis.

Also, as these files often contain important source code or data analysis scripts, they should be treated with care. To ensure the smooth operation and interoperability of the application components it interfaces, never make alterations to these files unless you fully understand the implications of the changes you're making.

Typical IDL application file locations:

"g:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe" /dde
c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe" /dde

Typical IDL mime types:

text/plain

Frequently used application names to open IDL files:

Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0
Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0

Frequently associated Windows objects:

VisualStudio.idl.10.0
VisualStudio.idl.9.0

How Can I Open IDL File on Windows

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

How Can I Open IDL File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open IDL File on Android

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

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

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