What is MIME type "application/dbf"?

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

application/dbf identifies files that hold structured, tabular data from dBASE-based systems. These files store records in rows and columns and are common in software that processes database tables.

They are mainly used for files like DBF, which hold table records, and sometimes for DAT files used by GIS applications like MapInfo to store attribute information.

Tabular Data Storage: Organizes data in formatted records for easy querying and manipulation.
Legacy System Support: Remains in use with older software that relies on a fixed record structure.
GIS Applications: Helps mapping tools integrate attribute data with spatial information.
Data Exchange: Provides a predictable format that enables cross-application data transfers.

This MIME type ensures that applications treat the file correctly by recognizing its underlying structure. For more details, visit Wikipedia (DBF file format) or FileXT.

Associated file extensions

.dat, .dbf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/dbf

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/dbf">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/dbf');
      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.