text/plain vs text/javascript

Question

I noticed that there's a whole bunch of different content types, some of them seem redundant.

Wouldn't a js file that's served as text/plain work just as well as if it was served with text/javasctipt?

I plan on making a page that's serve-able as a ajax/json/jsonp file (with or without a callback) or as a plain page that users on a dumb phone or with no js can view as a text file.

Is there any disadvantage as always displaying a page as text/plain ? Will it ever be a problem if I'm getting it as a script? What about the inverse?

take a look here: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4101394/javascript-mime-type , theres detailed explanation about javascript mime type — poncha, Mar 28 '12 at 20:36

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 28 '12 at 20:37

Wouldn't a js file that's served as text/plain work just as well as if it was served with text/javasctipt?

Only if it would be executed as JavaScript regardless. If text/plain meant something to the client distinct from text/javascript then the effects would (could) be different. Fortunately it usually doesn't when the browser loads it due to a <script> tag.

score 2 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 29 '17 at 13:01

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An advantage of using text/javascript is that it will allow you to include non '.js' postfixed files and they will be rendered as javascript.

For instance, I usually have a global.config file - which is a javascript written configuration object. I can use the postfix '.config' which is very helpful visually - but still use have it render as javascript.

edited Apr 29 '17 at 13:01

kajacx

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answered Mar 28 '12 at 20:37

msponagle

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What do you mean "rendered as javascript" ? – qwertymk Mar 28 '12 at 20:41
I think **interpreted** is a better word. – Blender Mar 28 '12 at 20:43
@Blender: won't the js still run tho? – qwertymk Mar 28 '12 at 20:44
If it's included in a ` – Blender Mar 28 '12 at 20:47

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 28 '12 at 20:42

When a Javascript is inserted dynamically, the navigator will give you correct events and states of reception (readyState with Intrenet Explorer, onload with FireFox) if the content is type "text/javascript". It can make wrong or lazy response if it's "text/plain".

text/plain vs text/javascript

3 Answers3