What is MIME type "text/comma-separated-values"?

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

The MIME type text/comma-separated-values identifies plain text files that hold tabular data. Each line in the file represents a record, and fields are separated by commas.

This format is most often used with the CSV file type. It allows different programs to exchange data easily since the file is plain text and widely supported.

Data exchange: Transfers table data between spreadsheets, databases, and other applications.
Interoperability: Opens in many software programs and text editors without specialized tools.
Automation: Supports scripting and batch processing with simple parsing rules.

Learn more about the format on the Wikipedia page for CSV.

Associated file extensions

.csv

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/comma-separated-values

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="text/comma-separated-values">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', 'text/comma-separated-values');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.csv

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.