What is MIME type "text/x-literate-cryptol"?

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

text/x-literate-cryptol is a MIME type for files that mix code and documentation in the style of literate programming. It is used mainly with Cryptol, a language designed for specifying and reasoning about cryptographic algorithms.

Files using this type let you write detailed explanations alongside the actual Cryptol code. This approach makes complex algorithms easier to understand and maintain.

Developers document and verify cryptographic methods.
Researchers create readable proofs and specifications.
Text editors with Cryptol support can offer syntax highlighting and proper rendering.

The primary file for this MIME type uses the extension LCRY.

For more details on Cryptol and literate programming, visit the Cryptol official website.

Associated file extensions

.lcry

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-literate-cryptol

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.lcry

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.