What is MIME type "application/x-par2"?
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
application/x-par2 is a MIME type from the Parity Volume Set File Format Family.It handles error correction and data recovery for file groups. Parity files store extra data that can repair missing or corrupted parts of a file set.
Main uses include:
- Error correction: Restores lost data using redundant parity information.
- Data verification: Checks file integrity during downloads and archival storage.
- Reliable distribution: Widely used in communities like Usenet and file-sharing networks.
This approach boosts data reliability and is especially useful when file sets must be preserved accurately over time.
Learn more about PAR2 technology.
Associated file extensions
.par, .par2, .pa3, .pxx, .par3
Usage Examples
HTTP Header
When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:
Content-Type: application/x-par2
HTML
In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:
<a href="file.dat" type="application/x-par2">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-par2');
res.end('Content here');
}).listen(3000);
Associated file extensions
.par, .par2, .pa3, .pxx, .par3
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.