What is MIME type "text/vnd.wap.wml"?

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

text/vnd.wap.wml is the MIME type for files written in Wireless Markup Language (WML).
It was created for mobile devices using the early Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).
WML is similar to HTML but is much lighter. It was designed to work on screens with limited size and low bandwidth.

Main use case: To deliver simple, interactive mobile pages.
Other uses: To provide basic menus, links, and form inputs for early mobile services.
Key fact: It enabled web-like experiences on early mobile phones.

Files using this MIME type carry the WML extension.
Although largely replaced by modern web technologies, WML remains part of mobile web history.
For more details on mobile standards, consult resources like the W3C.

Associated file extensions

.wml

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/vnd.wap.wml

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.wml

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.