RFC 1741 (rfc1741) - Page 1 of 6
MIME Content Type for BinHex Encoded Files
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group P. Faltstrom
Request for Comments: 1741 Royal Institute of Technology
Category: Informational D. Crocker
Brandenburg Consulting
E. Fair
Apple Computer Inc.
December 1994
MIME Content Type for BinHex Encoded Files
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo
does not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of
this memo is unlimited.
Abstract
This memo describes the format to use when sending BinHex4.0 files
via MIME [BORE93]. The format is compatible with existing mechanisms
for distributing Macintosh files. Only when available software
and/or user practice dictates, should this method be employed. It is
recommended to use application/applefile [FALT94] for maximum
interoperability.
1. Introduction
Files on the Macintosh consists of two parts, called forks:
DATA FORK: The actual data included in the file. The Data
fork is typically the only meaningful part of a
Macintosh file on a non-Macintosh computer system.
For example, if a Macintosh user wants to send a
file of data to a user on an IBM-PC, she would only
send the Data fork.
RESOURCE FORK: Contains a collection of arbitrary attribute/value
pairs, including program segments, icon bitmaps,
and parametric values.
Additional information regarding Macintosh files is stored by the
Finder has in a hidden file, called the "Desktop Database".
Because of the complications in storing different parts of a
Macintosh file in a non-Macintosh filesystem that only handles
consecutive data in one part, it is common to convert the Macintosh
file into some other format before transferring it over the network.
Faltstrom, Crocker & Fair
