What is MIME type "application/x-matlab-data"?

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

application/x-matlab-data is a MIME type used for files that store MATLAB data. It tells the system that the file contains binary data, such as variables, arrays, and complex structures used in MATLAB sessions.

This MIME type is mainly associated with files like MAT. It also appears in files like FIG, which hold MATLAB figure data.

The format stores workspace variables and arrays used in scientific computing.
It supports a binary format for efficient data storage and retrieval.
It enables data exchange between different MATLAB sessions and compatible software.
It is crucial for visualizations, as it can package figure data from MATLAB.

Files marked with this MIME type are designed exclusively for MATLAB. They ensure that the data is formatted correctly for MATLAB’s internal use and computational tasks. For more technical details and file usage examples, visit this external reference.

Associated file extensions

.fig, .mat

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-matlab-data

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.fig, .mat

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.