HHC File – What is .hhc file and how to open it?
HHC File Extension
HTML Help Table of Contents – file format by Microsoft
HHC is an HTML Help Table of Contents file extension developed by Microsoft. It contains the hierarchical structure of an HTML Help file and provides a way for users to navigate through the help content.
HHC File: Definition and Purpose
A HHC file, short for HTML Help Table of Contents, is an essential component of Microsoft’s HTML Help (HH) system. It serves as the backbone of an HH project, providing a structured and navigable table of contents for the associated HTML help file (CHM). The HHC file contains a hierarchical representation of the help topics, allowing users to easily locate and access the desired information within the CHM.
HHC File Structure
The HHC file is an XML file that conforms to a specific schema defined by Microsoft. It consists of a series of nested elements that define the hierarchy of help topics. The root element is
Overview of HTML Help Table of Contents (HHC) Files
An HHC file stands for HTML Help Table of Contents. It is a file format used to create a table of contents (TOC) for HTML Help (.CHM) files. The TOC provides a hierarchical structure that users can navigate to access specific sections of the CHM file. HHC files serve as companion files to the CHM files, aiding in organizing and presenting information effectively.
Opening HHC Files
HHC files themselves cannot be directly opened or viewed independently. They exist solely to support the navigation within CHM files. When a CHM file is opened, the HHC file associated with it automatically loads in the background, providing the TOC and enabling users to navigate through the CHM file’s content. Therefore, to “open” an HHC file, users should open the corresponding CHM file. CHM files can be opened using dedicated CHM viewers, such as Microsoft HTML Help Workshop or third-party tools like CHM Reader or Help Explorer. Alternatively, users can access CHM files directly through web browsers, as most modern browsers support opening and parsing CHM files.
HHC File Format
HHC files are an integral part of Microsoft’s HTML Help system, which serves as a compact and easily navigable format for presenting documentation and help files. These files contain a hierarchical representation of the HTML Help project’s structure, providing a comprehensive outline and navigation scheme. HHC files encompass the organization and logical flow of the help content, ensuring seamless browsing and quick access to specific topics.
The HHC file format is a specialized form of XML (Extensible Markup Language) that adheres to a predefined schema. It encapsulates information about the help project’s structure, including the titles, links, and organizational hierarchy of the help topics. HHC files are crucial for creating a user-friendly help experience, enabling users to easily navigate and locate the desired information within the HTML Help system.