What is MIME type "application/json-patch+json"?

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

application/json-patch+json is a MIME type for JSON Patch documents. It defines a sequence of operations to modify a JSON object. Each operation specifies an action such as add, remove, or replace.

It works by indicating how changes should apply to a JSON resource. The document itself is a list of instructions. This approach avoids resending the entire data when only parts need updating.

Efficient Updates: Only the differences are sent over the network.
Standardized Operations: It follows rules set out in the RFC 6902 standard.
Interoperability: Many APIs and services use it to process partial modifications.

Files using this MIME type may use the extension JSON-PATCH. This format is popular in environments that need precise control over modifications, such as web services and applications that employ the HTTP PATCH method.

Associated file extensions

.json-patch

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/json-patch+json

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.json-patch

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.