What is MIME type "text/directory"?

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

text/directory identifies files that hold directory or contact data in plain text. It is chiefly used for storing and sharing vCard information. This means names, phone numbers, email addresses, and similar details are stored in an organized text format.

The plain text nature makes it easy to inspect and edit with any text editor. Its structured layout follows the vCard standard. This allows diverse software to correctly interpret and use the data.

Primary use: Transfers electronic business cards between programs.
Directory services: Supports contact management and address book systems.
Interoperability: Enables multiple applications to exchange contact details seamlessly.

Common file types that use this MIME type include VCF and VCARD.

For more details on vCards and their uses, check the vCard article on Wikipedia.

Associated file extensions

.vcf, .vcard

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/directory

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="text/directory">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/directory');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.vcf, .vcard

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.