What is MIME type "application/vnd.sun.xml.math"?

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

application/vnd.sun.xml.math is the MIME type used for math documents in the OpenOffice Math module. It stores formulas in an XML format that is easy to read and modify. This structure allows math equations to be created, edited, and integrated into larger documents without losing formatting.

Key facts include:

Representation: It encodes mathematical formulas using an open, text-based XML structure.
Interoperability: Formulas created in this format can be imported into word processors, spreadsheets, or presentation software.
Editing: The text-based format facilitates troubleshooting and conversion between different software tools.

The primary file associated with this MIME type is the formula file, typically saved with the extension SXM.

Learn more about OpenOffice Math and its capabilities at Apache OpenOffice.

Associated file extensions

.sxw, .std, .stc, .sxc, .sti, .sxd, .stw, .sxi, .sxm, .sxg

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.sun.xml.math

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.sxw, .std, .stc, .sxc, .sti, .sxd, .stw, .sxi, .sxm, .sxg

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.