Multipart Form Data

Multipart Form Data is an HTTP content type used to send form data that includes binary files, such as images or documents, along with text fields in a single request. It structures the data into multiple parts, each with its own headers and content, allowing for efficient transmission of mixed data types. This is commonly implemented in web applications for file uploads and complex form submissions.

Also known as: multipart/form-data, multipart form, form-data, MIME multipart, file upload format

Why learn Multipart Form Data?

Developers should learn and use Multipart Form Data when building web applications that require file uploads, such as user profile pictures, document submissions, or media sharing features. It is essential for handling forms with mixed content types in APIs and web forms, ensuring reliable data transmission without encoding issues for binary data. Use cases include web forms with file attachments, REST APIs for uploading resources, and any scenario where text and binary data must be sent together in HTTP requests.

Learning Resources

• docs: MDN Web Docs: Using FormData Objects
• docs: RFC 7578: Returning Values from Forms: multipart/form-data
• tutorial: W3Schools: HTML Form File Upload
• video: YouTube: File Uploads with Multipart Form Data in Node.js
• tutorial: FreeCodeCamp: How to Upload Files with Multer in Node.js