What is MIME type "text/x-objective-c++"?

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

MIME type: text/x-objective-c++ is used for files that contain Objective‑C++ source code. This language combines elements of Objective‑C and C++ to allow developers to use features from both languages in the same source file.

Files with this MIME type are processed as plain text. Code editors use the type to provide syntax highlighting, error checking, and code formatting. It helps compilers and development tools know which language rules to follow.

Used by developers to write applications on Apple systems.
Helps integrate object-oriented programming (Objective‑C) with advanced C++ features.
Enables better code editing and management in text editors and IDEs.

Files that are labeled with this MIME type typically use the file extension MM, which signals that the source code involves both Objective‑C and C++ elements.

For more details on MIME types and file classifications, you can review the information available at IANA Media Types.

Associated file extensions

.mm

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-objective-c++

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.mm

FAQs

What is the text/x-objective-c++ MIME type used for?

This MIME type identifies source code files written in Objective-C++, a language variant that mixes Objective-C and C++ syntax. It informs text editors and compilers that the file contains features from both languages, requiring specific syntax highlighting and processing rules.

Which file extension matches this MIME type?

The primary file extension associated with text/x-objective-c++ is .mm. This distinguishes it from standard Objective-C files, which typically use the .m extension.

How do web browsers handle text/x-objective-c++ files?

Most browsers treat this MIME type as plain text. If you navigate to a .mm file in a browser, it will display the raw source code rather than executing it or rendering it as a web page.

How do I configure Apache to serve .mm files correctly?

You can ensure your Apache server sends the correct headers by adding AddType text/x-objective-c++ .mm to your configuration file or .htaccess. This prevents the server from defaulting to a generic binary or text type.

What is the difference between text/x-objective-c and text/x-objective-c++?

text/x-objective-c is used for pure Objective-C code (usually .m files), while text/x-objective-c++ indicates the file (usually .mm) contains C++ code mixed with Objective-C. This distinction tells the compiler to link against C++ standard libraries.

Is text/x-objective-c++ a standard IANA MIME type?

No, the x- prefix signifies that it is a non-standard or experimental subtype. Despite not being in the official IANA registry, it is widely accepted by development tools and servers.

Can I edit these files on Windows or Linux?

Yes, because the content is plain text, you can view and edit it using cross-platform editors like VS Code, Sublime Text, or Vim. However, compiling the code usually requires macOS frameworks.

General 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.