An Alphebetized List of MIME Types

Key Takeaways

• MIME types consist of a type and a subtype (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg) that help browsers process and display files correctly.
• They are crucial for web development, ensuring content is handled appropriately, enhancing browser compatibility, and maintaining security.
• The list provided is alphabetized by file suffix for easy reference, though it is not exhaustive; for a complete list, consult the IANA MIME types list.
• Incorrect MIME types can lead to errors in file interpretation, affecting website functionality and user experience.

MIME types, short for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, are a way to specify the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. They play a crucial role in web development as they help the browser understand how to handle different types of files.

A MIME type usually consists of two parts: a type and a subtype, separated by a slash. The type indicates a general category (like text or video), while the subtype specifies the exact kind of data within that category. For instance, text/html for HTML documents, image/jpeg for JPEG images, and application/json for JSON data.

For web developers, understanding and correctly using MIME types is vital for several reasons:

1. Correct Processing of Files: Web servers use the MIME type, not the file extension, to determine how to process a URL. This is important because a wrong MIME type can lead to misinterpretation of files, causing websites to not function correctly or files to be mishandled.
2. Browser Compatibility: Different browsers might handle MIME types in varying ways. If a server or application reports an incorrect MIME type, or a default type for unknown content, browsers might behave unexpectedly. Some browsers might attempt to guess the correct MIME type, which can lead to loss of control over how content is processed and displayed.
3. Security: Certain MIME types, like those for executable programs, can pose security risks. Proper configuration of MIME types is crucial to ensure that potentially unsafe content is handled appropriately.
4. Content Presentation: MIME types allow authors and web administrators to specify how content should be displayed or processed. For example, an HTML document can be sent as either text/html to be displayed as a webpage or text/plain to show the source code.
5. Compatibility with Standards and Protocols: Correctly using MIME types ensures adherence to web standards and protocols, improving interoperability and the overall user experience on the web.

Here’s a list of common (and some not-so-common) MIME types, listed in one convenient table, alphabetized by file suffix. Please note that while this list is long, it isn’t completely exhaustive. For a complete and updated list, please refer to the official IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) MIME types list​.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MIME Types