What is MIME type "application/x-brainfuck"?

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

The application/x-brainfuck MIME type marks files that contain code written in the Brainfuck programming language. It tells programs and web servers that the file is plain text filled with Brainfuck commands.

The x- prefix shows that this type is experimental and not officially registered. Its main purpose is to ensure that interpreters and editors treat the file correctly. For example, a text editor can offer specialized syntax highlighting for the eight Brainfuck commands.

Syntax Highlighting: Editors recognize the format and apply coding styles specific to Brainfuck.
Correct Execution: Interpreters use the MIME type to know they should process the file as Brainfuck code.
Niche Projects: It is common in coding challenges, educational experiments, and creative programming endeavors.

Files with the extension BF use this MIME type.

More details about the language can be found at Brainfuck on Wikipedia. For general MIME type information, check out MIME on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.bf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-brainfuck

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.bf

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.