Properties of PDE Files and How to Open a File with .pde Extension

PDE files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Arduino Sketch

Arduino Web Editor uses a file to store sketch metadata. The sketch.json file located in the sketch root folder stores information. Arduino CLI or Arduino IDE not use this file. If you are not an Arduino Web Editor user, you can ignore sketch.json file. The cpu key has board information. This can be set in the Web Editor while the sketch open. The included_libs key defines library versions the Editor uses for compiling. The Web Editor has all Library Manager library versions pre-installed. While only one library version may install with other Arduino software.

A PDE file stores source code written in Arduino language. Newer Arduino versions use INO files instead of PDE. A basic PDE sketch has setup and loop methods like standard INO files. Processing software also uses PDE to save source code. Another PDE is a Excel plugin document template to autofill a workbook. PDE is filename extension for data PowerDesk encrypts. Exported Principalm student data saved in PDE file. Software like Arduino needs to open PDE file.

Arduino change Sketch extension to INO in version 1.0 release. Arduino open “.pde” files still but “.ino” should use now. The software list that can open Arduino Sketch: Windows – Arduino; Mac – Arduino; Linux – Arduino. Processing Development Environment Source Code File also uses PDE extension.

f) I have removed the following parts as unnecessary:

– File Type 2: Processing Development Environment Source Code File. Developer by: Processing Category: Developer Files Format: Text.
– Find out what the .pde file extension means and what to keep in mind when saving and opening these files, associated programs and free online tools….
– We have also the free online .PDE (Arduino Sketch) file extension apps that can allow to view, edit, convert from to PDE, merge, split and compare the PDE files without installing anything on your system.

General Information

Title	PDE File Extension
Extension	.pde
Full Form	Processing Development Environment Sketch File
File Type	Source Code File
Developer	Processing Foundation
MIME Type	text/plain

File Function

Primary Function	Contain code
Additional Functions	Compile, Upload to hardware
Features	Text-based, Arduino programming

File Characteristics

Quality	Depends on code
Supports Layers	N/A
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Microcontroller Programming	Yes
Educational Projects	Yes
DIY Electronics	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Malware embedding
Best Practices	Code review, Secure coding, Version control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	Early 2000s
Latest Version	The .pde extension was used by older versions of Arduino IDE, now replaced by .ino

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.ino, .cpp, .h

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Arduino IDE	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux
Processing IDE	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 2: Processing Development Environment Source Code File

The Processing Development Environment makes writing Processing programs easy. Programs are written in the Text Editor. Press the Run button to start them. In Processing, a sketch is a computer progra...

General Information

Title	PDE File Extension
Extension	.pde
Full Form	Processing Development Environment Source Code File
File Type	Source Code File
Developer	Processing Foundation
MIME Type	text/plain

File Function

Primary Function	Contain sketches
Additional Functions	Visual arts, Data visualization
Features	Easy-to-use, Interactive graphics

File Characteristics

Quality	Depends on code
Supports Layers	In sketches
Supports Transparency	In sketches
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Visual Arts	Yes
Educational Purposes	Yes
Prototyping	Yes
Data Visualization	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Code execution
Best Practices	Code review, Safe coding

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	2001
Latest Version	As per Processing (2023)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.java

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Processing IDE	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 3: ProntoDoc for Excel Document Template

A .pde file extension is used by ProntoDoc for Excel, a Microsoft Excel plug-in. It helps generate and auto-fill documents. The .pde file stores a document template created with ProntoDoc. It contains...

General Information

Title	PDE File Extension
Extension	.pde
Full Form	ProntoDoc for Excel Document Template
File Type	Document Template File
Developer	Pronto Software
MIME Type	application/vnd.ms-excel

File Function

Primary Function	Template generation
Additional Functions	Data mapping, Automation
Features	Pre-formatted, Reusable

File Characteristics

Quality	Highly structured
Supports Layers	No
Supports Transparency	No
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Business Reporting	Yes
Financial Analysis	Yes
Data Visualization	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Macro viruses
Best Practices	Template validation, Secure storage

Historical/Version Information

Associated with	Pronto Xi versions
File Evolution	Software updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.xlsx, .xlsm, .xls

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Pronto Xi	Licensed	Windows
Microsoft Excel	Licensed	Windows, Mac