What is MIME type "application/vnd.anser-web-certificate-issue-initiation"?

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

application/vnd.anser-web-certificate-issue-initiation defines a file format that starts a digital certificate issuance process. It packages instructions and data needed to begin creating a secure certificate.

This process supports secure web communications by ensuring devices or users can be authenticated digitally. The file tells systems how to initiate key generation and certificate signing requests.

Main use case: Triggers the certificate enrollment process in secure communication systems.
Other uses: Facilitates automated certificate management and contact with certificate authorities.

It is a vendor-specific format, as indicated by the vnd.anser-web prefix.

Files using this MIME type use the extension CII.

For further technical details, consult the official registration at IANA Media Types.

Associated file extensions

.cii

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.anser-web-certificate-issue-initiation

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.anser-web-certificate-issue-initiation">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/vnd.anser-web-certificate-issue-initiation');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.cii

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.