What is MIME type "application/vnd.wolfram.cdf.text"?

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

The MIME type application/vnd.wolfram.cdf.text signals a text-based version of a Computable Document file. It tells software that the file holds structured computational content in a readable text form rather than a binary format.

This type is mainly used by Wolfram tools to share interactive documents and technical data. It enables applications to process and display the document’s computational expressions without needing a full binary interpreter.

Primary Use: Embeds computational results and formulas in a text structure.
Practical Use: Supports interactive notebooks and dynamic demonstrations in Wolfram environments.
Data Exchange: Allows sharing and editing of computational documents between systems.

Files with this MIME type are often seen as CDF files. For more on their usage and details, visit the Wolfram CDF documentation.

Associated file extensions

.cdf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/vnd.wolfram.cdf.text

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.cdf

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.