.PYC File Extension
Python Compiled File
| Developer | Python Software Foundation |
| Popularity |
3.7 | 71 Votes |
What is a PYC file?
A PYC file is a compiled version of a Python script (.PY file). When Python code is executed, the interpreter compiles the script into bytecode and then saves it as a PYC file. PYC files allow Python to run the program more efficiently since the code doesn’t need to be recompiled each time it is executed.
More Information
Python typically automatically generates a PYC file when you run a Python script, then stores it in a __pycache__ folder. The PYC file allows the Python interpreter to skip the compilation process on subsequent runs, improving performance, especially for larger applications.
How to open a PYC file
You should not attempt to open or modify PYC files. Instead, Python references the files internally to decrease program execution time.
Warning
PYC files may be targeted and infected by various types of malware, including the Python.Pytroj virus, to interleave harmful code into the binaries of Python applications that reference the infected PYC files. To protect against PYC files that have been potentially infected by a virus, install an antivirus program on your computer that detects viruses like the Python.Pytroj virus.