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

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

text/x-lua is the MIME type for files that contain Lua scripting code.
This type tells computers and software that the file is plain text with embedded instructions written in Lua, a fast and flexible scripting language.
It helps text editors and web servers provide proper syntax highlighting and correct processing of the scripting content.
Its main use is to store and share Lua source code. It also works in contexts like embedded scripting and configuration in various applications.

Scripting for games and interactive applications.
Automation tasks within software and tools.
Web server scripting to deliver dynamic content.
Plugin and module development for expanding application features.

Files using this MIME type can come with several naming conventions. For example, a script might use the extension LUA. Other related formats include P8, NSE, FCGI, LUAU, PD_LUA, RBXS, ROCKSPEC, and WLUA.
A less common case is a file with the extension T, used for Terra— a language that integrates with Lua.
For further reading on MIME types, visit MIME Types on MDN.

Associated file extensions

.lua, .p8, .nse, .t, .fcgi, .luau, .pd_lua, .rbxs, .rockspec, .wlua

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-lua

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.lua, .p8, .nse, .t, .fcgi, .luau, .pd_lua, .rbxs, .rockspec, .wlua

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.