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

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

text/x-gettext is a MIME type for plain text files that store translation data.
It marks files used in software internationalization via the Gettext system.
Instead of binary or rich text, the content is human-readable and editable.

Developers use these files to manage language catalogs. They store original messages alongside their translations using keywords like msgid and msgstr.

Main Use Case: Streamline the translation process in applications.
Other Uses:
- Handle language-specific text in software projects
- Support localization workflows with GNU Gettext tools
- Facilitate easy updates and maintenance of translation files

Files using this MIME type typically have the POT extension. This file format holds a template for the text that needs translation.

For more detailed information, visit the GNU Gettext website.

Associated file extensions

.pot

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-gettext

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.pot

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.