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

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

text/x-octave designates plain text files that hold Octave code. This type is common for scripts that use Octave’s syntax, which is very similar to MATLAB’s.
The x- prefix signals that it is an experimental or non-standard MIME type in formal registries.
These files are used to run numerical computations, engineering simulations, and data analysis routines. They are read and executed by the Octave interpreter, much like how a browser handles HTML or a media player treats audio files.
Common uses include:

Numerical Analysis: Implementing mathematical models and simulations.
Scientific Research: Processing data and automating experiments.
Educational Projects: Writing and testing code for academic purposes.

Files that carry this MIME type often use extensions such as M or MATLAB. These links help identify the file type and its usage across different applications.
For further technical details, visit the GNU Octave website or review the MIME type documentation.

Associated file extensions

.m, .matlab

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-octave

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.m, .matlab

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.