What is .LDF File Extension?
The .LDF file extension is primarily associated to the Microsoft SQL server. Apart from that, there are 3 LDF file extensions used by other programs as shown below:
- .LDF – Microsoft SQL Server Log File
- .LDF- Lingoes dictionary source file
- .LDF- IBM Works for OS/2 data filer form file
1: MS SQL Server Log File .ldf Specifications
| Developer: | Microsoft |
| Format Type: | Text |
| File Category: | Database File |
| MIME Type: | Application/octet-stream |
| Hex Signature: | 01 0F 00 00 08 |
| Supported Platforms: | Microsoft Windows |
Detailed Information about SQL Server LDF File Format!
The .ldf file extension is a log database file used by Microsoft SQL Server, which contains all the transaction logs, events and activities happens to the Database. A ldf file format allows users to recover or roll back the database from hardware failures as well as unexpected shutdowns situations. The SQL server Log file uses the same filename as its related MDF file extension.
The LDF files are transaction logs which keep a history of SQL server database activity. If you are wondering how to open ldf log file, then I want to clear that MS SQL server is the only program by using which you can open or view SQL log transactions. Apart from that an independent SQL server LDF file viewer can be used to read LDF file content.
What is Default location of the LDF file in SQL Server?
- SQL Server 2016
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\ - SQL Server 2014
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\ - SQL Server 2012
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\ - SQL Server 2008 R2
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10_50.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\ - SQL Server 2008
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\ - SQL Server 2005
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\
What Programs can open .ldf File Extension?
Tool to Open LDF File in Windows:
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Free LDF File Viewer
2: .LDF (Lingoes Dictionary Source File)
| Developer: | Lingoes Project |
| File Category: | Database |
| Format Type: | Text |
What is Lingoes Dictionary Source File .LDF?
The LDF file extension is also used by Lingoes, multi-language translation software created by Lingoes Project. An .ldf file contains the terms and their definitions, including the dictionary. These LDF files can be compiled into .LD2 files, which is supported by the Lingoes software.
Applications to open .LDF files:
- Microsoft Notepad
- Other text editor
- gVim
3: LDF- IBM Works for OS/2 data filer form file
| Developer: | IBM |
| File Category: | Document File |
| Format: | Text |
The LDF file extension is also used by the IBM Works which was an office suite for the IBM OS/2 operating system. The last version of IBM works was distributed in 1996 for OS/2. The .ldf file keeps data filer form.
Application to Open LDF File:
- IBM Works