PYC File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .pyc
Format Type Binary
Primary Use Storing Bytecode for Python Programs
Generated By Python Interpreter
MIME Type application/x-python-code
File Signature Varies with Version
Python Version Compatibility Specific to Version
Advantage Faster Loading Times
Disadvantage Not Human-Readable
Execution Mode Indirectly by Python Interpreter
Contains Compiled Python Bytecode
Creation When Python Program is Executed
Used For Optimizing Program Execution
Optimization Level Can Be Controlled by -O Flags
File Header Contains Python Version and Timestamp
Location Typically in __pycache__ Directory
Editable No, Binary Format
Redistribution Possible but Not Recommended
Security Can Obfuscate Code but Not Secure It
Comparison with PY Files Non-Human-Readable but Faster Execution