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

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

application/x-compressed is a MIME type that marks binary data bundled and reduced in size by compression. It often signals that a file was first assembled into an archive and then compressed.
This helps store and transfer many files in one package.

Files in the Tape Archive family, such as TAR, may use this MIME type. While not standardized, it is recognized by various applications and systems.

• Use Case: Packaging multiple files and directories into one compressed file.
• Functionality: Lowers file size and simplifies distribution.
• Key Fact: Combines both archiving and compression techniques.

Learn more about file types and their extensions at Filext.com.

Associated file extensions

.tar

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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

    Content-Type: application/x-compressed
  

HTML

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

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

Associated file extensions

.tar