What is MIME type "text/limbo"?

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

text/limbo is a MIME type that marks files using the Limbo file format.
It helps software identify and correctly process text files with a unique, non-standard structure.
Files using this MIME type carry the extension B.

Main use: To signal that a file contains text formatted in a specialized way for applications that recognize the Limbo structure.
Other uses: To aid in debugging custom text processing tools, support niche workflows, and allow proper handling by software expecting custom plain text.

The Limbo file format applies when a standard text document is insufficient for the task. For more details on MIME types, see the IANA media types registry.

Associated file extensions

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/limbo

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

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.