MIME Types List

Tool Overview

This tool helps you browse and search a database of MIME types. MIME types identify file formats on the internet. They tell browsers and servers how to handle different files.

Finding the correct MIME type is hard because there are hundreds of types. Some files have multiple possible types. Some types are outdated or incorrect. This tool solves this by providing a searchable database with clear information.

Using wrong MIME types causes problems. Browsers may not display files correctly. Servers may reject uploads. APIs may fail. This tool helps you avoid these issues.

This tool helps web developers, system administrators, and content creators. It works for beginners learning web development and experts building complex applications.

Background & Concept Explanation

MIME stands for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. It started as a way to identify file types in email attachments. Today it is used everywhere on the internet.

MIME types have two parts separated by a slash. The first part is the main category like text, image, or application. The second part is the specific format like html, png, or json. Together they form types like text/html or image/png.

MIME types appear in HTTP headers. When a server sends a file, it includes a Content-Type header with the MIME type. Browsers use this to decide how to handle the file. They might display it, download it, or run it.

MIME types also appear in HTML forms. File input fields use the accept attribute to specify allowed types. This restricts what users can upload. The accept attribute uses MIME types or file extensions.

People struggle with MIME types for several reasons. There are hundreds of official types. Many unofficial types exist. Some types have multiple names. Some are deprecated but still used. Finding the right type requires searching documentation or databases.

Common mistakes include using wrong types, using deprecated types, or forgetting charset parameters for text files. These mistakes cause compatibility problems and security issues.

Key Features

• Search by file extension finds types for common extensions like .json or .png. You can type with or without the dot. This makes searching fast and natural.
• Search by MIME type finds details when you know the type name. Type application/json to see full information. This helps verify correct usage.
• Search by description finds types using partial words. Type "javascript" to find JavaScript-related types. This helps when you do not know the exact name.
• Alternative types detection shows deprecated or alternative names. Some types have multiple valid names. This prevents confusion about which one to use.
• Category classification groups types into Text, Image, Video, Audio, Application, Font, and Model. This helps you understand what each type represents.
• Usage context explains when to use each type. It describes common scenarios and best practices. This helps you choose the right type for your needs.
• Best practice tips provide specific recommendations. They explain modern standards and common pitfalls. This helps you avoid mistakes.
• Header examples show exact HTTP Content-Type header format. They include charset parameters when needed. You can copy these directly into your code.
• HTML accept attributes show how to use types in file inputs. They list valid extensions and formats. You can copy these for form validation.
• Copy functionality lets you copy header examples and HTML attributes with one click. This saves time when writing code.
• Search history remembers your last five searches. You can quickly return to recent types. This improves workflow for repeated lookups.
• Sample queries provide quick access to common types. Click buttons for .json, .png, .css, and others. This helps you explore the database.
• Debounced search waits 300 milliseconds after you stop typing. This reduces unnecessary processing and improves performance.
• AI-powered insights provide optimization suggestions when enabled. They explain performance considerations and modern alternatives. This helps you make better choices.

Common Use Cases

Web developers need MIME types when building file upload features. They must validate file types on the server. They must set correct Content-Type headers when serving files. This tool helps them find the right types quickly.

API developers need MIME types for request and response headers. REST APIs use Content-Type headers to specify data formats. This tool helps them use correct types for JSON, XML, and other formats.

System administrators configure web servers to serve files correctly. They must map file extensions to MIME types. This tool helps them verify their server configurations.

Content creators upload files to websites and content management systems. They need to know which file types are accepted. This tool helps them understand file format requirements.

Security professionals audit file handling in applications. They check for incorrect MIME types that could cause vulnerabilities. This tool helps them identify problematic configurations.

Email administrators configure mail servers to handle attachments. They must recognize MIME types in email headers. This tool helps them troubleshoot attachment issues.

How to Use This Tool (Step-by-Step)

1. Open the MIME types list tool in your browser.
2. Find the search box at the top of the page.
3. Type a file extension, MIME type, or description. You can search for .json, application/json, or javascript.
4. Wait for results to appear automatically. The tool searches after you stop typing for 300 milliseconds.
5. Review the main result card. It shows the MIME type, category, and description at the top.
6. Read the usage context section. It explains when to use this MIME type.
7. Check the best practice section. It provides specific recommendations.
8. Copy the header example if needed. Click the copy button next to the Content-Type header example.
9. Copy the HTML accept attribute if needed. Click the copy button next to the accept attribute example.
10. Check alternative types if shown. Some types have multiple valid names listed here.
11. Click "Get insight" button for AI suggestions. This is optional but provides optimization advice.
12. Review your search history below. Click any recent search to view it again.
13. Try sample queries if you want to explore. Click buttons like .json or .png to see common types.

Calculations & Logic

The tool searches a database of MIME type entries. Each entry contains an extension, MIME type, category, description, and other details.

Search matching happens in this order. First it checks if your query matches a file extension. Extensions can include or omit the leading dot. The tool adds a dot automatically if missing.

Next it checks if your query matches an exact MIME type. This finds types like application/json when you type the full name.

Then it checks if your query appears in any description. This uses case-insensitive partial matching. Typing "javascript" finds types with "JavaScript" in their descriptions.

Finally it checks alternative MIME types. Some entries list deprecated or alternative names. The tool searches these too.

Debouncing delays the search by 300 milliseconds. This waits for you to finish typing before searching. It reduces unnecessary database queries and improves performance.

History tracking saves your last five successful searches. It stores them in browser local storage. Each search updates the history, moving the new search to the top.

Result display shows one matching entry at a time. If multiple entries match, it shows the first one found. The search order prioritizes exact extension matches, then exact MIME type matches, then description matches.

Copy functionality uses the browser clipboard API. It copies text to your clipboard when you click copy buttons. A checkmark appears briefly to confirm the copy succeeded.

Tips, Limitations & Best Practices

Always verify MIME types match your actual file content. The tool shows standard types, but your files must match. Using wrong types can cause security issues.

Use modern MIME types when possible. Some older types are deprecated. The tool shows alternatives when available. Prefer text/javascript over application/javascript for JavaScript files.

Include charset parameters for text-based types. Text files should specify encoding like charset=UTF-8. The tool shows examples with proper charset parameters.

Check server documentation for custom MIME types. Some applications use non-standard types. The tool covers common types but not all possible custom types.

Use HTML accept attributes carefully. They restrict file uploads but are not secure. Always validate file types on the server side too.

Remember that file extensions do not guarantee file types. Users can rename files. Always check actual file content, not just extensions.

Keep MIME type databases updated. Standards evolve over time. New types are added and old types are deprecated. The tool uses current standards.

Use Content-Type headers correctly in HTTP responses. Include the MIME type and charset when needed. The tool provides exact header examples you can copy.

Note that search is limited to 100 characters. Very long queries are truncated. Use concise search terms for best results.

History is stored in browser local storage. It persists between sessions but is specific to each browser. Clearing browser data removes history.

AI insights require network connectivity. They may fail if the service is unavailable. The core MIME type lookup works without AI features.

Sample queries provide quick access to common types. They are not comprehensive. Use the search box to find other types.

Alternative types show deprecated names. Avoid using deprecated types in new projects. They may stop working in future browsers or servers.