What is MIME type "text/x-actionscript"?

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

The MIME type text/x-actionscript indicates that the file contains ActionScript source code. It is a plain text format used by developers when writing scripts for interactive and multimedia content.

This type helps programs and browsers recognize the file as code. Editors use it for proper syntax highlighting and error checking. Files using this type usually end with the extension AS.

Key use case: It is used in environments that build rich media applications, particularly in legacy Adobe Flash projects.
Technical function: It labels text-based programming files so that tools and systems process them correctly.
Practical application: Developers working on interactive web applications or multimedia content often work with this type.
Development support: It supports features like syntax highlighting in many code editors.

For further reading on ActionScript, see the ActionScript Wikipedia page.

Associated file extensions

.as

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-actionscript

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.as

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.