hsl and method files (.hsl, .sub, .stp and .med)
hsl files (.hsl, .sub) is the code for main function and sub functions, which are text and can be viewed by any text editor, but it will be different from hsl editor. But these file are protected by checksum, you can not edit with other editors.
stp file stores the property of hsl files (like readonly) and parameters for each instrument step.
You can call it hamilton configuration file (HxCfgFile), the files for method (.med, .stp), deck layout (.lay), labware (.tml, .rck and .cnt) and configuration (.config) are in this format. This file is binary, but you can convert it to text by HxCfgFilConverter.exe. This file contains datas of dictionary like structure.
.med file is a hamilton configuration file, it contains the parameter for editing method. I do not think it is necessary for running, only display line number of running.
There is another workflow file (.wrl), which is about the same as .med file and used for store the parameter for editing workflow instead of method.
deck layout files (.lay and .res)
.lay file is also a hamilton configuration file, it contain all the datas of deck layout.
.res file is text format, you can see its content, and it store the resources defination.