What mime type if JSON is being returned by a REST API

Question

My REST API returns JSON.

I'm currently returning text/plain as the MIME type but it feels funny. Should I be returning application/x-javascript or some other types ?

Second question is with regard to the HTTP status code for error conditions. If my REST API is returning an error state, I am returning as JSON

{ result: "fail", errorcode: 1024, errormesg: "That sucked. Try again!" }

Should the HTTP status code remained at 200 OK ?

Answer 1

The JSON spec suggests application/json.

On the second question, I think if the message handling fails in some way you should return a structured and standard error response as a JSON message; only if there is a failure to deliver the message to the backend handler for some reason should you consider an HTTP error code.

Answer 2

I prefer to reply with both an HTTP error status and application specific payload.