tika

Tika is a term with multiple meanings in different contexts. It may refer to a cultural forehead mark used in South Asia, a software project, or a personal name.

Apache Tika is an open-source content analysis toolkit from the Apache Software Foundation. It detects the mime type of files and extracts text and metadata from a wide range of formats, including PDF, Word documents, HTML, XML, and multimedia files. It can be used as a Java library, a command-line tool, or as a server (Tika Server) exposing a REST API. It is commonly employed for content indexing, search, digital forensics, and data mining, often alongside other Apache projects such as Lucene/Solr and Hadoop.

In cultural contexts, tika (also tilak) refers to a ceremonial mark placed on the forehead. It features in Hindu, Buddhist, and other South Asian traditions during rituals, weddings, and festivals. The mark may be made with kumkum, sandalwood paste, turmeric, or ash, and its style, color, and meaning vary by community and occasion. It is traditionally worn by both sexes and is often associated with auspiciousness, protection, or blessing.

As a name, tika is also used as a given name or nickname in several communities.