What is MIME type "application/sbml"?

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

The MIME type application/sbml is for files that use the Systems Biology Markup Language. It is built on an XML structure, which ensures a well-defined format for computer-readable biological models.
This MIME type is mainly used to represent and exchange models of complex biological systems. Researchers and simulation tools use it to share, analyze, and simulate models of metabolic networks, gene regulation, and cell signaling.

Model Exchange: Enables different software to share and run biological simulations.
Data Standardization: Provides a common format for representing detailed biological processes.
Research Collaboration: Assists scientists in sharing reproducible and structured data.

Files that conform to this MIME type often use the XML or SBML format.
For more technical details, you can visit the SBML official website.

Associated file extensions

.xml, .sbml

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/sbml

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.xml, .sbml

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.