What is MIME type "application/x-java-vm"?

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

application/x-java-vm labels files that contain Java bytecode meant for execution by the Java Virtual Machine. These files are compiled from Java source code and carry instructions that the JVM reads and runs.
Although not an official MIME standard, it helps systems and web servers identify these files correctly.

Execution: The JVM loads and runs these files.
Deployment: Web servers use this MIME type to serve Java bytecode correctly.
Interoperability: It ensures that applications recognize Java class files during processing.

The file associated with this MIME type is the compiled Java file, represented as CLASS. This type of file holds the bytecode instructions for the Java runtime environment.
For extra details, see resources on Java MIME handling at Java Official or explore file types at FileXT.

Associated file extensions

.class

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-java-vm

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.class

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.