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

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-xport identifies files that store statistical data in a portable format. It is used to move data and its metadata between different computer systems and statistical software. Data stored in this format is structured so that variable names, labels, and data types are preserved during transfers.

Its main use is enabling cross-platform data exchange in statistical environments, especially when legacy systems or specialized tools are involved.

Data Transfer: Facilitates moving complex datasets between different software and operating systems.
Software Compatibility: Works with various statistical applications that require a common, exchangeable file format.
Research and Analysis: Commonly used in sectors like healthcare, finance, and academia for sharing analysis-ready data.

Files of this type typically use the XPT extension.

For more details on this format, visit the SAS official site or explore related documentation.

Associated file extensions

.xpt

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-sas-xport

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.xpt

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.