How to open a .ex file
Quick, free ways to open Elixir on any system.
A .ex file is a Elixir Source File. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads Elixir yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .ex file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .ex. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with VS Code (ElixirLS) or any text editor.
- On Mac, use VS Code (ElixirLS) or any text editor.
- On Linux, try VS Code (ElixirLS) or any text editor.
- Still stuck? Search for a dedicated Elixir viewer.
Best apps to open .ex files
Windows
- VS Code (ElixirLS)
- any text editor
macOS
- VS Code (ElixirLS)
- any text editor
Linux
- VS Code (ElixirLS)
- any text editor
!
Before you open it: Caution. An .ex file is program source that runs on the BEAM. Review unfamiliar code before running it.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .ex file?
Almost always because no installed app understands Elixir. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
What is the difference between .ex and .exs?
A .ex file is compiled as part of a project; a .exs file is a script Elixir runs directly, without a build step. Both are Elixir source.
How do I run an Elixir file?
Run a script with elixir file.exs, or build and run a project with mix, Elixir's build tool.