What is MIME type "application/x-sas-transport"?

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

The MIME type application/x-sas-transport identifies files that hold SAS data in a portable format. These files are used to move data sets reliably across different systems, platforms, or versions of SAS software. This format preserves the structure of the data so that it remains usable even when exported from one environment and imported into another.

Key uses include:

Data Exchange: It facilitates the sharing of sophisticated data sets across various systems.
Portability: It ensures that data created on one platform can be read on another without compatibility issues.
Interoperability: It supports data movement for analytics and reporting processes in mixed computing environments.
Compliance: It is sometimes used in contexts where standardized data formats are required for regulatory or archival purposes.

Files of this type typically use the STX extension. This format, often referred to as the SAS transport or XPORT format, is primarily designed for efficient data transportation while maintaining data integrity.

For more detailed technical information and real-world examples, check out the SAS documentation.

Associated file extensions

.stx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-sas-transport

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.stx

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.