What is MIME type "application/x-bytecode.python"?

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

The MIME type application/x-bytecode.python indicates that a file contains compiled Python bytecode. This bytecode is an intermediate form produced when Python converts its source code to a format that the interpreter can run more quickly.

Files such as PYC and PYO use this MIME type. They are generated automatically by Python during program execution or module import, which helps speed up subsequent runs by avoiding repeated compilations.

Efficiency: Precompiled bytecode allows the interpreter to launch programs faster.
Caching: It stores a ready-to-run version of the code, reducing resource use.
Optimization: In some cases, optimization flags produce files with prioritized performance.

For more technical details on MIME types, you may visit MIME on Wikipedia and for Python-specific information, check out the official Python website.

Associated file extensions

.pyc, .pyo

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-bytecode.python

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.pyc, .pyo

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.