What is MIME type "application/dbase"?

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

application/dbase is a MIME type used for database files that hold structured, tabular data.
It signals that a file's content is organized in rows and columns. This structure is common in legacy database systems and geographic information systems (GIS).
Files such as DAT (MapInfo Data File) and DBF (dBASE Database IV) use this MIME type.

Data Organization: Keeps information in a tabular format.
Compatibility: Recognized by many database applications and GIS programs.
Legacy Support: Widely used in older systems while still relevant today.
Data Exchange: Helps move data between different software solutions.

This MIME type ensures that applications treat these files as structured databases, facilitating proper data handling and processing.
For more details on similar file formats, visit dBASE on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.dat, .dbf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/dbase

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.dat, .dbf

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.