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

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

text/x-jsp is a MIME type that marks files written as Java Server Pages. These pages mix HTML with embedded Java code so that the server can create dynamic web content.

When a web server processes a file marked as text/x-jsp, it compiles the page into a servlet. This lets the code run Java logic, access databases, and produce custom HTML for the user.

Main use case: Generating dynamic HTML content on the server side.
Other uses: Embedding business logic, handling form submissions, and managing user sessions within web applications.
Key fact: The code and layout are combined in a single text file that the server converts into a servlet for execution.

Files with this MIME type use the JSP extension. Developers favor Java Server Pages to quickly integrate Java code with HTML and build interactive, data-driven websites.

For more detailed information on Java Server Pages, check out the Wikipedia article on JSP.

Associated file extensions

.jsp

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-jsp

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.jsp

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.