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

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

The MIME type text/x-meson marks files that hold Meson build instructions. These files are plain text and follow a specific syntax. They guide the Meson build system on how to compile and link project components.
In practice, editors and tools use this MIME type to apply proper syntax highlighting and error checking, making it easier to work with build scripts. It streamlines the transition from coding to compiling by clearly defining project rules and dependencies.

Configuration: Files written in the Meson language outline build targets, compiler options, and dependency management.
Integration with Build Tools: The Meson build system reads these files to automate the build process.
Developer Experience: Code editors recognize text/x-meson files and provide syntax support, which reduces errors during script editing.

A common file using this MIME type is the Meson build file. For example, a file named meson.BUILD contains these directives. For more details on Meson, visit the official Meson documentation.

Associated file extensions

.meson.build

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-meson

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.meson.build

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.