NQC (Not Quite C) source code file
File type: Source code and script file
An .nqc file is a source code file written in Not Quite C (NQC), a C-like programming language.
NQC uses these text files as the source for programs designed for LEGO Mindstorms programmable robots.
File type category:
Source code and script file
Date updated: September 24, 2026
NQC is a programming language and compiler originally developed by Dave Baum for programming LEGO Mindstorms robots. Its syntax is based on the C programming language and provides features suited to controlling the robot hardware.
An .nqc file contains the human-readable NQC source code, including program instructions and definitions. NQC compiles the source file into the robot's executable code and can download the resulting program to a compatible programmable brick.
NQC is available for multiple desktop platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Use NQC to compile an .nqc file and, where supported, download the resulting program to a compatible LEGO Mindstorms brick. NQC has versions for multiple desktop platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Because an .nqc file is plain text, a text editor can also open it for viewing or editing, but a text editor cannot compile or upload the program.
There is no usual file conversion for an .nqc file. NQC compiles it into the executable code used by the target robot rather than exporting it to another general-purpose source format.
To use the program with another programming language or robotics environment, its logic must generally be rewritten manually.
Language
