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

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

application/x-dbase is a MIME type for files in the dBASE table format (DBF). It marks files that store data in structured tables, similar to a simple database.

Files of this type are used in legacy systems and various modern applications that manage tabular data.
They support organizing records into rows and columns for easy data access and exchange.

It is used in desktop database applications.
It is common in business record systems.
It is useful in geographic information systems (GIS) for handling attribute data.

The format is associated with the file extension DBF.
Programs can open, edit, and export these files, ensuring compatibility across systems.

Associated file extensions

.dbf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-dbase

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.dbf

FAQs

What programs can open files served as application/x-dbase?

Files with this MIME type are dBASE database files, typically using the .dbf extension. They can be opened by spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc, as well as database management tools and legacy business software.

How do I configure Apache to correctly serve .dbf files?

To ensure your Apache server sends the correct Content-Type header, add the following line to your .htaccess file or httpd.conf: AddType application/x-dbase .dbf. This prevents the browser from misinterpreting the file as generic text or binary data.

Why is application/x-dbase common in GIS (Geographic Information Systems)?

In GIS, the popular ESRI Shapefile format is actually a collection of files. The attribute data (the tabular information) for the shapes is stored in a .dbf file, which uses the application/x-dbase MIME type.

Can web browsers display application/x-dbase content directly?

No, web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge do not have built-in engines to render dBASE tables. When a server sends this MIME type, the browser will typically prompt the user to download the file rather than displaying it in the window.

What does the 'x-' prefix mean in application/x-dbase?

The x- prefix indicates that this is a non-standard or private MIME type not officially registered with IANA. However, it is the de facto standard convention used by developers to identify DBF files on the web.

How do I set up Nginx to serve DBF files?

You can add the mapping to your mime.types file or include it directly in your nginx.conf within the types block. Use the syntax: types { application/x-dbase dbf; } to ensure correct delivery.

Are there alternative MIME types for DBF files?

Yes, while application/x-dbase is very common, you might occasionally see application/dbase, application/dbf, or even the generic application/octet-stream. However, sticking to application/x-dbase is recommended for clarity.

General 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.