The plain-English version
The form in which a resource is delivered, such as JSON, HTML, or a particular language.
Why it matters
Clients need a stable understanding of both format and meaning.
Let’s make it click
A report endpoint returns a documented JSON object for an application and a separate downloadable format when requested.
Vibe Bro’s heads-up
Changing a response’s content type or field semantics can break consumers even if its URL stays unchanged.
The docs behind it
Documentation links checked .
Editorial review · October 28, 2026
Supported: MDN supports representing a resource in a selected media format. The JSON example is illustrative rather than a claim that every API has interchangeable formats.