What is MIME type "application/cwl"?

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

application/cwl is a MIME type for files defined in the Common Workflow Language standard. These files list steps and tools that build an automated workflow. They help computers run complex sequences of tasks reliably.

Files using this MIME type typically have the CWL extension. They are mainly used to share and execute reproducible data analyses and processing pipelines. This standard is popular in scenarios like scientific research and bioinformatics.

Key facts and uses:

Establishes a standard for describing automated workflows.
Ensures consistent execution of defined tasks.
Facilitates sharing and reuse of complex process configurations across different systems.

For further insight into the Common Workflow Language, visit the official CWL website.

Associated file extensions

.cwl

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/cwl

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/cwl">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/cwl');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.cwl

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.