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

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

text/x-java marks plain text files containing Java-like source code. It tells tools like code editors, IDEs, and web browsers to treat the file as structured programming text.

This MIME type triggers features such as syntax highlighting, code formatting, and error checking, ensuring that code appears correctly and is easy to read. It is commonly used even though it isn’t an official IANA type.

Main use: Identify Java or Java-like source code
Support: Enables syntax highlighting and proper formatting in text editors and IDEs
Compatibility: Recognized by many development tools to optimize code inspection

Files using text/x-java include code for Java and similar languages. For example, source files like JAVA have this type. It also applies to files for Apex (CLS, APEX, TRIGGER), UnrealScript (UC), ChucK (CK), and additional Java file tags like JAV and JSH.

For more details on MIME types, see MDN on MIME Types.

Associated file extensions

.java, .cls, .uc, .ck, .jav, .jsh, .apex, .trigger

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-java

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.java, .cls, .uc, .ck, .jav, .jsh, .apex, .trigger

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.