What is MIME type "chemical/x-cache-csf"?

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

Chemical/x-cache-csf is a non‐standard MIME type. It is used by software that manages chemical structure data in a specialized format called CAChe MolStruct CSF. Files carrying this data typically use the CSF extension.

This format stores detailed molecular information. It holds data on atoms, bonds, and spatial arrangements. The structure helps programs quickly interpret chemical properties.

Efficient Storage: Encodes complex molecular structures in a compact format.
Data Exchange: Allows seamless sharing of chemical data between specialized applications.
Visualization Support: Enables software to render and analyze molecular models for scientific and industrial uses.

Chemical/x-cache-csf helps professionals in fields like computational chemistry, drug design, and chemical engineering to store and work with precise chemical models. More detailed information about the format can be found on relevant chemical informatics and file extension reference sites such as the CSF file extension page.

Associated file extensions

.csf

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: chemical/x-cache-csf

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.csf

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.