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

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

text/x-whiley is a MIME type that marks files containing Whiley source code.
These files are plain text and hold the code for a language designed with formal verification in mind.
Developers use it to enable syntax highlighting, static analysis, and error checking in their editing tools.

The file format is linked to the WHILEY extension.

Main purpose: Identify Whiley source files.
Development use: Support code verification, static checks, and debugging.
Format nature: Contains human-readable text for both code and annotations.
Application: Used in projects that focus on formal methods and reliable software.

Learn more about MIME types on the MIME Type page.

Associated file extensions

.whiley

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: text/x-whiley

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.whiley

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.