Files with idl file extension can be found mainly as interface definition libraries from Visual Studio.
There are 2 other file types using
the IDL file extension!
.idl - CRiSP Harvest file
.idl - OMG CORBA interface definition language file
Detailed description
Software that open idl file
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IDL file extension - Visual Studio Visual C++ interface definition library
What is idl file? How to open idl files?
The idl file extension is associated with Visual C++.
The idl file contains one or more interface definitions. Each interface definition is composed of an interface header and an interface body. The interface header is demarcated by square brackets. The interface body is contained in curly brackets.
All COM interfaces are defined using the Interface Definition Language (IDL). IDL is similar to C and C++ header files, with new syntax elements specific to distributed computing added. IDL files are compiled to create source files and binary type libraries that can be used by practically all programming environments.
Updated: September 9, 2024
The default software associated to open idl file:
Microsoft Visual Studio 
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) used to create applications for Microsoft Windows as well as dynamic websites and web applications. Visual Studio is available for Windows and Mac.
Help how to open:
Use any of the Microsoft Visual Studio suites.
How to convert:
As far as we know, this .idl file type can't be converted to any other file format. This is usually the case of system, configuration, temporary, or data files containing data exclusive to only one software and used for its own purposes. Also some proprietary or closed file formats cannot be converted to more common file types in order to protect the intellectual property of the developer, which is for example the case of some DRM-protected multimedia files.
List of software applications associated to the .idl file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open idl file, edit idl file, convert idl file, view idl file, play idl file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting idl files.
Software that open idl file - Visual Studio Visual C++ interface definition library
Programs supporting the exension idl on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about Microsoft Visual Studio for open idl file action.
idl file editor and apps that can edit idl file - Visual Studio Visual C++ interface definition library
Programs supporting the exension idl on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about Microsoft Visual Studio for edit idl file action.
Programs that can create idl file - Visual Studio Visual C++ interface definition library
Programs supporting the exension idl on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about Microsoft Visual Studio for create idl file action.
Unspecified and all other actions for computer programs working with idl file - Visual Studio Visual C++ interface definition library
Click on the software link for more information about Microsoft Visual Studio. Microsoft Visual Studio uses idl file type for its internal purposes and/or also by different way than common edit or open file actions (eg. to install/execute/support an application itself, to store application or user data, configure program etc.).
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