App (file format)

This article is about the app format used by HarmonyOS. For a macOS application bundle with the .app file extension, see Bundle (macOS).
APP
Filename extension
.app,.hap
Developed byHuawei
Type of formatPackage format
Container for
Extended fromJAR

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,[2] 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 OS-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.[3] [4][5][6][7]

Each HarmonyOS app contains one or more HarmonyOS Ability Package (HAP, Chinese: 鸿蒙能力包; pinyin: Hóngméng Nénglì Bāo) files with the file extension ".hap",[8] and the pack.info file that describes the attributes of the App file.[9][1]

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.[9]

The package management subsystem within OpenHarmony for handling app installation packages. When considering a PC environment. Installation and Update function allows users to install or update applications by interacting with the package manager through a graphical user interface or command-line interface. Query and Uninstallation function enable users to query installed packages and uninstall unwanted ones using similar interfaces. Also, storage where Package information would be stored in a database or configuration files on the PC. The package management subsystem ensures frictionless management of app packages, regardless of the device form.[10]

  1. ^ a b 柳, 伟卫 (2022). 鸿蒙HarmonyOS手机应用开发实战. Tsinghua University Press. ISBN 9787302596424.
  2. ^ "HarmonyOS Project Overview". developer.harmonyos.com. Retrieved 2023-08-23.
  3. ^ "UOS could support HarmonyOS hap app format". HC Newsroom. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  4. ^ "Application Fundamentals". developer.harmonyos.com. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  5. ^ "What Is an Atomic Service". developer.harmonyos.com. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  6. ^ Li, Deng (2022-11-28). "Orange Pi OS launched, based on Huawei HarmonyOS". Huawei Central. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
  7. ^ Anand, Abhinav (2023-11-13). "Huawei ditches Android with HarmonyOS Next". Android Headlines. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
  8. ^ "HAP File - What is a .hap file and how do I open it?". fileinfo.com. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  9. ^ a b "Application Package Structure in Stage Model". developer.harmonyos.com. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  10. ^ "Package management subsystem". Gitee. Retrieved 13 April 2023.