FileHint

application/gzip

The MIME type for gzip files. Also used as an HTTP `Content-Encoding` value.

Typical extensions

Primary uses

  • Linux software distribution (with tar)
  • Backups
  • HTTP response compression

In a browser

Downloaded by default. Transparent decompression applies when used as `Content-Encoding`.

On a server

Set `Content-Encoding: gzip` on HTML/CSS/JS responses, and pair with `Vary: Accept-Encoding`.

In email

Deliverable as an attachment, but mail gateways often scan or quarantine archives.

References