What is MIME type "application/x-xz"?

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-xz marks files compressed with the XZ algorithm. It signals that the content is in a compressed state using a high-efficiency method.

Compressed data using XZ is known for its high compression ratio and robust error checking. The algorithm behind it, LZMA2, is efficient for reducing file size while keeping data integrity.

Files labeled with this type, like XZ, are common in software packaging and system distributions. They help decrease download times and storage requirements.

Data Compression: Reduces file size for faster transfers.
Software Packaging: Used in many Linux distributions and open-source projects.
Backup & Archiving: Provides efficient storage of large amounts of data.

For more details on how it works, check out XZ Utils.

Associated file extensions

.xz

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-xz

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.xz

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.