What is MIME type "application/sparql-query"?

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

The MIME type application/sparql-query identifies files that contain queries written in the SPARQL language. These files let servers and tools know they hold commands intended to retrieve or update RDF data.
SPARQL is a query language used in systems that process semantic data and linked datasets. When a file marked with this MIME type is received, the system processes it as a SPARQL query—similar to how an SQL query is handled in a relational database.
Files using this MIME type may have extensions such as RQ or SPARQL.

Main use: Running queries on RDF graphs to filter and extract data.
Functionality: Enables semantic web applications to communicate with RDF databases through standardized query commands.
Additional uses: Data integration, linked data search, and backend processing in systems using semantic technologies.
Standard: Follows the W3C SPARQL query language specifications for consistent query behavior.

For more details on SPARQL and its query standard, visit the W3C SPARQL 1.1 Query Documentation.

Associated file extensions

.rq, .sparql

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/sparql-query

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.rq, .sparql

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.