What is MIME type "application/vnd.dbf"?

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

application/vnd.dbf is a MIME type that identifies a database file format from the dBase family. It stores structured, table-like data that many applications can easily process.

The DBF file is a key component in a shapefile set. A shapefile typically includes the geometry file (SHP) and the index file (SHX), while the DBF holds attribute data linked to the shapes.

Geospatial Data Management: GIS software uses the DBF file to store and retrieve attribute information paired with spatial data.
Data Exchange: Its simple, fixed structure makes it easy to share table data between different programs.
Lightweight Database Tasks: The format is efficient for basic database operations and is supported by many data processing tools.

This MIME type is practical and widely supported. It ensures systems recognize the file’s format and process it appropriately. For more on file formats and their usage, explore external resources such as Filext.

Associated file extensions

.dbf, .shx, .shp

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.dbf

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.dbf, .shx, .shp

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.