What is MIME type "application/x-rar-compressed"?

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

application/x-rar-compressed designates files that use the RAR compression format. It bundles multiple files into one archive with efficient compression algorithms.

Files using this MIME type include those with the extensions RAR, R00, and REV.

File Compression: Shrinks file sizes to save storage and simplify transfers.
Bundled Storage: Groups several files together for easier organization and sharing.
Multi-Volume Archives: Supports splitting large archives into several parts.
Data Integrity: Can include recovery records to restore damaged archives.

This MIME type is used widely in backup processes, file sharing, and secure storage. Programs like WinRAR or similar tools are needed to open and extract these archives. For more on compressed file formats, check trusted tech sites online.

Associated file extensions

.rar, .r00, .rev

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-rar-compressed

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.rar, .r00, .rev

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.