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

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

application/x-cdf is a MIME type used by some specialized file formats. It signals that a file contains data that needs a specific program to open or process it.

Files with this MIME type can serve different roles. For example, some files with the CDA extension are pointers for CD Audio. These files do not hold the actual audio but mark the positions of tracks on a CD.

Other files using this MIME type, such as those with the CDF extension, follow a Common Data Format used to store structured data. This format helps in sharing and analyzing data across different programs, especially in fields like science and engineering.

Purpose: Ensures programs treat the file with the correct method.
Functionality: Differentiates between data that points to CD audio tracks and structured data files.
Usage: Employed in multimedia systems for CD audio and in technical applications for organizing data.

Files marked with this MIME type require software that understands their internal format. They are common in legacy systems and specialized areas. For further insights on MIME types, visit IANA Media Types.

Associated file extensions

.cda, .cdf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-cdf

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.cda, .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.