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

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-cgi tells the server that the file is not static text—it’s a script to be executed. When a server sees this type, it runs the script and sends the text output to the client.

This type is mainly linked to CGI scripts. Files with this format typically have the extension CGI and are used to generate dynamic text or HTML content.

Server Execution: The file is run on the server rather than being directly displayed.
Dynamic Output: It produces text or HTML based on runtime processing.
Legacy Use: It is more common in older systems or specific web setups.

For further details, check the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) or visit the IANA Media Types page.

Associated file extensions

.cgi

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-cgi

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.cgi

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.