user63629: I've just downloaded the Bitcoin Core for Windows.
I can see several .dat file. What can I use to open them. i.e. Is there a way to view them in plaintext?
Also, which file is the blockchain file?
Thanks!

user51948: The .dat files are opened by Bitcoin Core, they are not supposed to be opened in plaintext. The blockchain will be in the blocks/ subdirectory. You can see a list of the files bitcoin core uses here:
https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/files.md

63629: <p>I've just downloaded the Bitcoin Core for Windows.</p>

<p>I can see several .dat file. What can I use to open them. i.e. Is there a way to view them in plaintext?</p>

<p>Also, which file is the blockchain file?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>
 51948: <p>The .dat files are opened by Bitcoin Core, they are not supposed to be opened in plaintext. The blockchain will be in the blocks/ subdirectory. You can see a list of the files bitcoin core uses here:
<a href="https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/files.md" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/files.md</a></p>
