applicationmanifestjson

Applicationmanifest.json is a file name used by various software platforms to store an application's metadata and runtime configuration in a structured JSON format. There is no single universal specification for applicationmanifest.json; the exact schema and required fields vary by ecosystem. In practice, different environments define their own set of keys and acceptable values, but they commonly describe essential information about the app and how it should be launched.

A typical manifest describes core metadata such as the application's name, version, description, and publisher. It often includes one or more icons with associated sizes and purposes, and launch or entry-point information that tells the runtime how to start the application. Other common fields cover display characteristics (such as fullscreen or standalone mode), startup URL or main script, supported languages, and resource or asset references. Some manifests also declare permissions or capabilities, external dependencies, and resources like themes or localization packs.

Usage and role vary by platform. In packaging and distribution, the manifest is included with the application and read by the launcher or runtime at install or startup time. It can guide UI presentation, determine accessible system features, and help resolve dependencies. Validation may be enforced by build tools or runtime environments against a defined schema, helping catch missing or incompatible fields before deployment.

Security considerations include limiting privileges to what the app needs, avoiding excessive permissions, and maintaining proper versioning and integrity checks. Because the schema is platform-specific, developers should consult the relevant documentation for the exact fields and validation rules applicable to their environment.