dataContentType

Data content type is a descriptor used in data interchange to indicate the format of a payload. It identifies how the bytes in a message should be interpreted and parsed, typically by specifying a MIME type or a similar structured identifier. This information enables components such as serializers, deserializers, validators, and middleware to select the correct processing logic for the data.

In HTTP and related protocols, the data content type is commonly conveyed by a header that indicates the media type of the body. In code and data models, a field or property often named dataContentType stores the same information, allowing a program to choose an appropriate parser before reading the payload. The value may also appear as part of a data envelope in messaging systems, file formats, or database schemas.

Common values include application/json for JSON payloads, text/plain for plain text, application/xml for XML, text/csv for CSV, and image/png for binary images. Other practical types include application/octet-stream for arbitrary binary data and multipart/form-data for form submissions. The exact set of supported types depends on the system, and many environments support custom or vendor-specific MIME types.

Standards for these identifiers are defined by the MIME type specifications, notably RFC 6838 and earlier RFCs 2045 and 2046. The content type may include parameters such as character set (charset) or boundary for multipart messages. Correctly matching the dataContentType with the actual payload helps ensure security, correct parsing, and proper interoperability, while mislabeling can lead to parsing errors or security risks.

See also MIME type, Content-Type, RFC 6838.