App (file format)

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The HarmonyOS App Pack or the App file, identified with the file extension ".app",^[1] serves as the file format used by the HarmonyOS operating system. It functions as a native HarmonyOS app for distribution and installation through Huawei AppGallery, or for distribution through Huawei Ability Gallery in respect of installation-free apps under both former classic dual-framework and current HarmonyOS NEXT system of unified OpenHarmony app framework. The App file is also used by a number of other open source HarmonyOS-based operating systems such as OpenHarmony and Oniro-based operating systems for distribution and installation of applications, video games and middleware. Including non OpenHarmony-based operating systems, such as GNU Linux-based Unity Operating System that supports the app file format.

APP

Filename extension	.app,.hap
Developed by	Huawei
Type of format	Package format
Container for	Embedded software Application software Mobile apps
Extended from	JAR

Each HarmonyOS app contains one or more HarmonyOS Ability Package (HAP) files with the file extension ".hap", and the pack.info file that describes the attributes of the App file.

Most HarmonyOS apps contain at least one HAP file of the entry type, which is the main module of the app, and additional HAP files of the feature type, which is used to implement a specific app feature.