What is MIME type "application/andrew-inset"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

The MIME type application/andrew-inset is a specialized format used within the Andrew software environment. It was designed to hold structured, binary data that may include embedded objects or layout information. This type is tied to systems built around the Andrew toolkit, which is now seen only in legacy or niche setups.

Main use: Storing data with complex internal structure for applications that manage documents or integrated objects.
Additional uses: Serving as a container for data in environments where files combine text with embedded media or formatting details.
Key fact: It is rarely encountered outside of its original, specialized usage.

Files like EZ are associated with this MIME type.
For further details on MIME types and their assignments, see IANA Media Types.

Associated file extensions

.ez

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/andrew-inset

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/andrew-inset">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/andrew-inset');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.ez

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.