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

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-perl designates files containing Perl code. It tells applications that the file is a text file meant to be processed as a Perl script. The "x-" prefix indicates it is a non-standard or experimental registration.

• It is used for server-side programming, especially in CGI scripts.
• It supports module files and libraries in Perl applications.
• It is also applied to in-line documentation written in Pod.
• It covers both traditional Perl and modern variants like Raku.

This classification helps operating systems, web servers, and editors to treat files appropriately. Files marked with text/x-perl often include those with extensions such as PL, POD, CGI, PM, PLX, PERL, AL, PM6, T, PH, FCGI, 6PL, 6PM, NQP, P6, P6L, P6M, PL6, PSGI, RAKU, and RAKUMOD.

This MIME type enables systems to apply the correct syntax highlighting, execution permissions, and processing rules to the file. It is key for web servers handling dynamic content and for developers working in environments where clear distinction between code and plain text is essential.

Further details are available on the Perl Wikipedia page and the File Extension Database.

Associated file extensions

.pl, .pod, .cgi, .pm, .plx, .perl, .al, .pm6, .t, .ph, .fcgi, .6pl, .6pm, .nqp, .p6, .p6l, .p6m, .pl6, .psgi, .raku, .rakumod

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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

    Content-Type: text/x-perl
  

HTML

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

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

Associated file extensions

.pl, .pod, .cgi, .pm, .plx, .perl, .al, .pm6, .t, .ph, .fcgi, .6pl, .6pm, .nqp, .p6, .p6l, .p6m, .pl6, .psgi, .raku, .rakumod