What is MIME type "text/vnd.sun.j2me.app-descriptor"?

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

The MIME type text/vnd.sun.j2me.app-descriptor marks a descriptor file for Java 2 Micro Edition mobile apps. It is a plain text file that holds key information about the application.

This descriptor file, typically seen with the extension JAD, lists details like the application's name, version, maker, and required permissions. It guides the device’s installation process by pointing to the actual app package (commonly a JAR file).

Main use: Supplies metadata to ensure proper app setup and version control.
Installation support: Instructs the mobile platform on fetching and verifying the complete application package.
Platform necessity: Critical for applications built on the Java ME platform running on older mobile devices.

For more information on file types, visit this page.

Associated file extensions

.jad

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/vnd.sun.j2me.app-descriptor

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="text/vnd.sun.j2me.app-descriptor">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/vnd.sun.j2me.app-descriptor');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.jad

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.