.BEAM File Extension

Bourne Again Shell Script

The BEAM files contain bytecode running on the Erlang Virtual Machine. They are similar to the Java .CLASS files. The BEAM file extension belongs to the Executable Files category, just like 140 other ...

General Information

Title BEAM File Extension
Extension .beam
Full Form Bourne Again Shell Script
File Type Compiled Code File
Developer Ericsson
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store bytecode
Additional Functions Execution in VM
Features Concurrent, Distributed

File Characteristics

Quality High performance
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No

Use Cases

Telecommunications Yes
High-availability systems Yes
Web Services Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Code injection
Best Practices Regular updates, Code validation

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1987
Latest Version OTP 24 (2021)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .erl, .hrl, .ex, .exs

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Erlang/OTP Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Elixir Free Windows, Mac, Linux