What is MIME type "application/mathml+xml"?

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

application/mathml+xml is the MIME type for MathML, an XML-based language used to represent mathematical notations. It allows applications to exchange and display mathematical content accurately.
MathML details both the structure and presentation of math formulas, making them easily processable by computers.

Purpose & Functionality:
MathML is built to allow web browsers, editors, and other tools to render equations. It supports both human-readable and machine-readable math descriptions. This makes it ideal for:

Web display: Showing math equations on websites and online resources.
Document processing: Allowing software to import, edit, and render math content.
Data interchange: Facilitating the exchange of precise mathematical information between systems.

Files that use this MIME type typically have file extensions like MML and MATHML.
For further technical details, see the IANA listing for application/mathml+xml.

Associated file extensions

.mml, .mathml

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/mathml+xml

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.mml, .mathml

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.