What is MIME type "image/x-xpixmap"?

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

image/x-xpixmap is the MIME type for the X PixMap (XPM) format. It stores image data as plain text. This data appears as a C-style array that outlines the image pixel by pixel.

The format is popular in Unix systems running the X Window System. Its text-based nature lets developers edit or embed images directly into source files. This is why you might see XPM data in files like C or H source files, and sometimes referenced in PM files.

Key Facts and Uses:

Used to define icons and cursors in graphical user interfaces.
Integrates easily into software projects since the image data is human-readable.
Facilitates quick adjustments and debugging for developers.

The simplicity and flexibility of XPM make it a favored choice for embedding graphics directly into code. More details about the XPM format are available at XPM resources.

Associated file extensions

.h, .pm, .xpm, .c

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-xpixmap

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.h, .pm, .xpm, .c

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.