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

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

text/x-sql marks plain text files that contain SQL code.
It tells programs the file holds database commands and schema definitions in simple text.
Files with this MIME type let tools like code editors and database interfaces know to apply SQL-specific formatting and syntax checking.
Files using text/x-sql help streamline database work and automation.
They commonly store queries, table definitions, and utility scripts used in various database tasks.
They are found in many file types such as SQL, INC, UDF, PRC, TAB, DDL, DB2, CQL, VIW, MYSQL, and PGSQL.

Primary Role: Indicates code for managing databases.
Benefit: Helps applications apply SQL syntax highlighting and error checking.
Purpose: Supports automation and manual editing of SQL queries and definitions.
Usage: Common in development environments and database management tools.

Programs use this MIME type to process and display the content properly. It ensures SQL scripts are handled as code rather than generic text.

Associated file extensions

.sql, .inc, .udf, .prc, .tab, .ddl, .db2, .cql, .viw, .mysql, .pgsql

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-sql

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.sql, .inc, .udf, .prc, .tab, .ddl, .db2, .cql, .viw, .mysql, .pgsql

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.