Which MIME types are related to file extension ".metalink"?
The .metalink file extension is associated with 1 MIME types:
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .metalink Files
METALINK files are XML-based files that list and manage multiple download sources. They use the MIME type application/metalink+xml to structure data in a standardized format.
They are designed to improve download reliability by gathering information such as mirror URLs, file size, and checksum details. This helps download managers choose the best source and verify file integrity.
- Multiple URLs: Lists several mirror sites for the same file.
- Checksum Information: Provides hash codes to ensure the file’s integrity.
- Metadata: Contains additional details like file size and version.
Download managers such as Free Download Manager, uGet, and aria2 can use these files to optimize and secure downloads. Simple text or XML editors can open them, but their full functionality is realized in download management applications.
Based on information from FilExt.com, this format is especially useful when files need to be downloaded reliably from several sources.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
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 can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.