M files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Objective-C Implementation File
An M file is a class implementation file used by programs written in Objective-C. It begins with the @implementation directive and initializes variables and functions. M files reference header (.H) fi...
General Information
| Title | Objective-C Implementation File |
| Extension | .m |
| Full Form | Objective-C M-file |
| File Type | Source Code File |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | text/x-objective-c |
File Function
| Primary Function | Implement classes, methods |
| Additional Functions | Write Objective-C code, Define program logic |
| Features | Compiled, OOP support |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Depends on code |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| iOS Apps | Yes |
| macOS Apps | Yes |
| Software Libraries | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Code vulnerabilities |
| Best Practices | Code review, secure coding standards |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | With Xcode updates |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .h, .mm, .swift |
Type 2: MATLAB Source Code File
General Information
| Title | MATLAB Source Code File |
| Extension | .m |
| Full Form | MATLAB Function, Script, or Class |
| File Type | Source Code File |
| Developer | MathWorks |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Stores code |
| Additional Functions | Algorithm development, Data analysis, Visualization |
| Features | Matrix-based, Numerical computation |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Depends on code |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Numerical Analysis | Yes |
| Algorithm Development | Yes |
| Modeling and Simulation | Yes |
| Data Visualization | Yes |
| Scientific Research | Yes |
| Engineering Design | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Code execution |
| Best Practices | Input validation, Code auditing |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1984 |
| Latest Version | MATLAB R2023a (2023) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .mat, .fig, .p, .mdl |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 MATLAB |
Commercial | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 GNU Octave |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 3: Mercury Source Code File
General Information
| Title | M File Extension |
| Extension | .m |
| Full Form | Mercury Source Code File |
| File Type | Source Code File |
| Developer | Mercury Project |
| MIME Type | text/x-mercury |
File Function
| Primary Function | Contain Mercury code |
| Additional Functions | Compilation, Execution |
| Features | Logic/Functional programming, Strong typing |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High-level code |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Software Development | Yes |
| Artificial Intelligence | Yes |
| Data Analysis | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Code vulnerabilities |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Code audits |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1995 |
| Latest Version | Mercury 20.06 (2020) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .pl, .prolog, .swi |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Compiler |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux, various Unix |
| SWI-Prolog |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 Vim |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix |
Type 4: Wolfram Language Package
Wolfram Language package files store Wolfram Language programs, packages, and data. The files use plain ASCII text format. They store expressions in InputForm. The files can represent code, data, imag...
General Information
| Title | Wolfram Language Package File |
| Extension | .m |
| Full Form | Mathematica Package File |
| File Type | Package File |
| Developer | Wolfram Research |
| MIME Type | application/mathematica |
File Function
| Primary Function | Code storage |
| Additional Functions | Package extension, Script execution |
| Features | Modularity, Reusability |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Highly structured |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Mathematical Computation | Yes |
| Data Analysis | Yes |
| Algorithm Development | Yes |
| Educational Purposes | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Code execution |
| Best Practices | Validation, Sandboxing |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1988 |
| Latest Version | Mathematica 13 (2021) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .nb, .cdf, .mx, .wl |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Wolfram Mathematica |
Licensed | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Wolfram Workbench |
Licensed | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 5: PC-98 Game Music File
An Objective-C implementation file (M file) initializes variables and functions referenced by Objective-C source files. M files may reference header (.H) files. Objective-C is used for Mac and iOS app...
General Information
| Title | M File Extension |
| Extension | .m |
| Full Form | PC-98 Game Music File |
| File Type | Audio File |
| Developer | N/A |
| MIME Type | audio/x-m |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store game music |
| Additional Functions | Playback in compatible software |
| Features | Chiptune, FM Synthesis |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Low fidelity |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | With specific tools |
Use Cases
| Retro Gaming | Yes |
| Music Preservation | Yes |
| Sampling | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Verify source |
Historical/Version Information
| Associated with | NEC PC-98 series |
| Notable Games | Touhou, Rusty |
Associated Types
| Related Extensions | .FMP, .MPK, .OPX |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 NEC PC-9801 Emulators |
Free | Varies by emulator |
| Audio Players with plugin support |
Free, Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux |