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

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

text/x-literate-idris is a MIME type for files that mix code and documentation. It tells programs the file is a literate programming document.

Files with this type often use the file extension LIDR. These files contain both explanations and Idris source code. The approach helps users understand the logic while reading detailed commentary.

This MIME type is linked to the Idris programming language.
It enables syntax-aware editors to format both regular text and code segments.
It serves educational, maintenance, and research purposes by combining documentation with source code.
It improves code readability by allowing the programmer to include context and reasoning alongside the code.

For more on literate programming, check out this resource. For details on Idris, see the Idris website.

Associated file extensions

.lidr

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-literate-idris

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.lidr

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.