.IN File Extension

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

Type 1: Autoconf Input File

General Information

Title .IN File Extension
Extension .in
Full Form Autoconf Input File
File Type Configuration Script
Developer GNU Project
MIME Type text/plain

File Function

Primary Function Configuration template
Additional Functions Pre-configure, Generate scripts
Features Text-based, Scriptable

File Characteristics

Quality Variable
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Software Development Yes
Package Configuration Yes
Build Automation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Script injection
Best Practices Validation, Secure templates

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1990s
Latest Version Autoconf 2.71 (2021)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .ac, .m4, .am

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Autoconf Free Unix-like systems
GNU M4 Free Unix-like systems, Windows
GNU Build System Free Unix-like systems

Type 2: Input File

General Information

Title .IN File Extension
Extension .in
Full Form Input File
File Type Text or Data File
Developer Varies by application
MIME Type text/plain

File Function

Primary Function Store data
Additional Functions Provide parameters
Features Plain text, Configurable

File Characteristics

Quality Depends on content
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Configuration Yes
Data Input Yes
Parameter Definition Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Insecure inputs
Best Practices Validation, Sanitization

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Varies
Latest Version N/A

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .txt, .conf, .cfg

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Various Compilers Varies Windows, Mac, Linux
Text Editors Free, Paid Windows, Mac, Linux
Custom Applications Varies Varies

Type 3: Spyware File

One or more ".in" files may be referenced by an Autoconf script when the configure process is run. "In" files define variables, such as an app's version number and release date, which are referenced d...

General Information

Title .IN Spyware File
Extension .in
Full Form Infected File
File Type Spyware File
Developer Malware Authors
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Malware execution
Additional Functions Information theft, System harm
Features Covert operation, Data exfiltration

File Characteristics

Quality Harmful, Malicious
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No

Use Cases

Unauthorized Access Yes
Data Theft Yes
System Monitoring Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks High risk
Best Practices Regular scans, Avoid downloads

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Varies
Latest Version N/A

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .exe, .dll, .bat, .vbs

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Anti-Virus Software Free, Subscription Windows, Mac, Linux, Various
Spyware Removal Tools Free, Subscription Windows, Mac, Linux