What does MIME stand for in computing?

MIME stands for Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions. It is a standard used to extend the format of email messages to support text in character sets other than ASCII, as well as attachments of audio, video, images, and application files. This extension allows emails to contain multimedia and other content types, making emails more versatile in the information they can convey.

The term "multi-purpose" reflects the capability of MIME to handle various types of data beyond simple text, which is essential for modern communication needs. The "Internet Mail" part of the acronym indicates its primary use in sending emails over the Internet, while "extensions" refers to the added functionalities it provides to enhance the email experience.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of MIME. For instance, "Multiple Internet Mail Extensions" incorrectly suggests a focus on multiple mail contexts, while both "Mail Interface for Email" and "Multi-format Internet Mail Email" misrepresent the purpose and function of MIME in relation to email.