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

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

text/x-lean is a MIME type that designates files written for the Lean theorem prover.
It signals that the file contains plain text with Lean language constructs used for formal proofs.
Files in this format include definitions, theorems, and proofs that Lean processes for verification.

Use case: Formal verification in mathematics and computer science.
Functionality: Enables automated proof checking through clearly stated logical expressions.
Readability: Presents information in a human-readable text format that supports version control.

The MIME type is associated with files such as the LEAN format.
For more technical details, visit Lean Theorem Prover.

Associated file extensions

.lean

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-lean

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.lean

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.