What is MIME type "application/x-gooddata-maql"?

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

application/x-gooddata-maql is a MIME type used for GoodData query scripts. It defines how files that contain commands written in GoodData’s analytical query language are handled by software.

This MIME type applies to plain text scripts with the MAQL file extension. The language is used to create, modify, and execute business analytics queries on the GoodData platform.

Main use: Writing analytical queries and defining metrics using GoodData’s specific query language.
Additional functions: Assisting in version control and collaborative development of analytic models.
Key fact: Because it is a plain text format, many text editors offer syntax highlighting when editing these scripts.

The MIME type helps systems recognize that the file contains commands that transform business data into useful analytics. For more details on this file type, you can refer to external resources such as filext.com.

Associated file extensions

.maql

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-gooddata-maql

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.maql

FAQs

What is the application/x-gooddata-maql MIME type used for?

This MIME type specifically identifies files containing MAQL (Multi-Dimension Analytical Query Language) scripts. These are plain text files used within the GoodData platform to define metrics, reports, and logical data models.

How do I open a file with the .maql extension?

Since these are plain text files, you can open them with any standard text editor such as Notepad++, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio Code. While specialized GoodData tools execute the logic, text editors allow you to view and modify the code manually.

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

You can map the extension to the MIME type by adding a directive to your .htaccess file or main configuration. Add the line: AddType application/x-gooddata-maql .maql to ensure the server sends the correct headers.

Why does my browser download the file instead of displaying the code?

Web browsers do not have built-in support for rendering application/x-gooddata-maql. As a result, they treat the file as a generic binary or unknown type and trigger a download. To view it in a browser, the server would need to send it as text/plain.

What does the 'x-' prefix indicate in this MIME type?

The x- prefix signifies that application/x-gooddata-maql is a non-standard or vendor-specific type. It is not part of the standard IANA registry but is recognized by GoodData software to distinguish these scripts from standard text files.

Can I use text/plain instead of application/x-gooddata-maql?

Yes, serving these files as text/plain is a common fallback that allows them to be viewed easily in browsers. However, keeping the specific MIME type helps development tools and IDEs automatically apply the correct syntax highlighting for the MAQL language.

Are there security risks associated with MAQL files?

These files contain database query logic rather than executable system code, making them relatively safe to handle. However, you should always review scripts from untrusted sources before running them against your analytics platform to prevent unintended data changes.

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.