Exemanifest

Exemanifest is a term with no universally accepted definition. In online discussions and speculative writing, it is often treated as a portmanteau of executable and manifest, used to describe a declaration or metadata file that accompanies an executable and outlines its components, resources, and operational requirements.

In software packaging, an exemanifest is commonly described as a specialized manifest that lists executable components, resources, version information, architecture, and runtime dependencies, often including integrity data such as hashes or signatures to support verification during installation and execution. In digital forensics or cybersecurity contexts, the term may refer to a documented record of all files and actions associated with a program’s execution, intended to establish provenance or detect tampering. In gaming or content distribution, it can denote a bundle manifest for dynamically loaded modules, downloadable content, or plugin architectures.

There is no formal standard for an exemanifest, and implementations vary by project or platform. Common representation formats mentioned in informal discussions include JSON, YAML, and XML, with fields that commonly appear being name, version, architecture, dependencies, assets, and integrity checks. Because the term is not tied to an official specification, its exact meaning depends on the context and the accompanying tooling used by a given project.

In summary, exemanifest functions as a proposed or informal concept describing a manifest related to executables, with uses spanning packaging, security, and content delivery. Related concepts include manifest files, executable metadata, and digital signatures.