Apache handlers and MIME

[webhostinguk-Sam]

Many people consider Apache handlers and MIME types as having the same functionality. Both MIME types and Apache handlers have one thing in common. Both give instructions so far as handling files is concerned. But, while MIME types tell the 'browser' how to handle files, Apache handlers tell the 'server' how to handle files.

[paul]

Before you add a mime type make sure to check with your hosting administrator as it can easily alter the correct functioning of your site.

[Peter]

Apache is an open-source HTTP server and is used to serve your site. Apache handlers tell the server how to deal with web files that need to be processed on the server. While Mime types tell browsers how to handle specific extensions. The text/html mime type equates to .htm, .html, and .shtml extensions on most servers, and this tells the browser to interpret all files with those extensions as HTML files.