.PCH File Extension

PCH files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Nastran Punch Output File

Output file created by Nastran, a program to test structures. Contains data depending on the command run. An example command creates X and Y axis data output. The PCH file created has two data types. ...

General Information

Title PCH File Extension
Extension .pch
Full Form Nastran Punch Output File
File Type Data Output File
Developer NASA
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store results
Additional Functions Data export, Post-processing
Features Text-based, Structured data

File Characteristics

Quality High accuracy
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes, text editor

Use Cases

Engineering Analysis Yes
Simulation Data Yes
Result Verification Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Data interception
Best Practices Encryption, Secure transfer

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1960s
Latest Version Depends on software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .f06, .op2, .xdb, .bdf, .dat

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
MSC Nastran Commercial Windows, Unix
Patran Commercial Windows, Unix
FEMAP Commercial Windows

Type 2: Precompiled Header File

General Information

Title PCH File Extension
Extension .pch
Full Form Precompiled Header File
File Type Binary File
Developer Microsoft
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Speed up compilation
Additional Functions Store preprocessed code
Features Binary format, Reusable

File Characteristics

Quality Optimized for speed
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No

Use Cases

Software Development Yes
Large Projects Yes
Iterative Compilation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks None inherent
Best Practices Regular updates, Clean build

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release With C++ compilers
Latest Version Dependent on IDE

Associated Types

Source Code .c, .cpp
Header Files .h, .hpp

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Microsoft Visual Studio Free, Paid editions Windows
GCC (G++) Free Various platforms
Clang Free Various platforms