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

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-hy marks files that contain source code for the Hy language. Hy is a Lisp dialect that compiles into Python’s abstract syntax tree.

This MIME type helps development tools and text editors by signaling how to treat the content. It enables proper syntax highlighting, code formatting, and error checking.

Main use: Recognizing and processing Hy source files.
Editing support: Tools use it to apply Lisp-like syntax rules.
Integration: It aids in blending Python libraries with Lisp macros.

Hy source code is typically saved with the HY extension. For more details on MIME types and their uses, consider exploring additional resources on programming language file formats.

Associated file extensions

.hy

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-hy

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.hy

FAQs

What type of content does text/x-hy represent?

The MIME type text/x-hy represents source code written in Hy, a dialect of Lisp that is embedded in Python. These files, typically ending in the .hy extension, contain text that compiles into Python's abstract syntax tree.

How do I configure Apache to serve .hy files correctly?

You can map the file extension to the MIME type by adding the following line to your .htaccess or main configuration file: AddType text/x-hy .hy. This ensures that the server identifies the file as Hy source code rather than a generic binary.

Can web browsers execute text/x-hy files?

No, web browsers do not have built-in engines to execute Hy or Python code. If a browser navigates to a text/x-hy file, it will usually display the code as plain text or prompt the user to download the file.

What does the 'x-' prefix indicate in text/x-hy?

The x- prefix signifies that this is a non-standard or experimental MIME type that has not been officially registered with the IANA. It is a convention used by developers to identify Hy files before a standard type is established.

Why are my .hy files downloading instead of opening in the browser?

This usually happens if the server sends the file with the Content-Disposition: attachment header or identifies it as application/octet-stream. Ensure your server is configured to send the text/x-hy content type to allow inline viewing.

Is text/x-hy safe to open?

As a text-based format, opening a text/x-hy file in a text editor is safe. However, like any source code, you should never execute or compile Hy files from untrusted sources, as they can run arbitrary commands on your system.

How does text/x-hy differ from text/x-python?

While both languages interact with the Python runtime, text/x-hy contains Lisp-like S-expressions, whereas text/x-python contains standard Python syntax. Tools designed strictly for Python syntax will fail to parse text/x-hy files.

General 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.