rcexe

RCEXE, commonly written as RC.EXE, is a Windows resource compiler used to convert resource script files (.rc) into binary resource files (.res) that are linked into Windows executables and DLLs. It is part of the Microsoft Windows SDK and Visual Studio development tools, though it can be used standalone with the proper environment. The tool implements the Windows resource script language, allowing developers to define icons, cursors, bitmaps, dialogs, menus, strings, version information, and other resources.

When invoked, RCEXE processes an input .rc file, resolving include directives and preprocessor definitions, and emits a .res file suitable for the linker. Common command-line options control include paths, define macros, set the output file, and specify language or character set. A typical usage is: rc.exe /fo resources.res resources.rc, optionally with /I paths and /D defines.

RCEXE is typically invoked as part of a build process in Visual Studio projects or in MSBuild scripts. The resulting .res file is linked into the final executable or DLL, allowing resources to be retrieved at runtime through Windows APIs such as LoadIcon or FindResource.

Cross-platform and open-source alternatives exist, notably windres from GNU binutils for non-Windows toolchains, which can generate COFF objects or resources for different targets. While RC.EXE remains standard in Windows-centric toolchains, modern workflows may replace or supplement it with higher-level resource management approaches.

See also: resource script (.rc), resource file (.res), Windows API resource management, Visual Studio, windres.