mimetype – command-line utility that determines the MIME type of files

mimetype is a command-line utility that determines the MIME type of files. It uses the freedesktop.org shared MIME-info database to identify file types based on filename patterns and file contents.

MIME types (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) are standardized identifiers that describe the format and nature of a file, typically written in the form `type/subtype` such as `text/plain` or `image/png`.

The utility is useful in scripts and shell workflows where detecting a file’s type is required. It integrates with the shared MIME database used by many Linux desktop environments.

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

• Determines the MIME type of files from the command line.
• Uses the freedesktop.org shared MIME-info database for file identification.
• Supports detection based on filename patterns and file contents.
• Outputs MIME types in a format suitable for shell scripting.
• Provides a lightweight alternative to the file command when MIME output is required.
• Commonly used in automation and desktop integration workflows.

Website: metacpan.org
Support:
Developer: Michiel Beijen
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

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