Package manifest Linux distributions rely heavily on
package management systems for distributing software. In this scheme, a package is an
archive file containing a manifest file. The primary purpose is to enumerate the files which are included in the distribution, either for processing by various packaging tools or for human consumption. Manifests may contain additional information; for example, in
JAR (a package format for delivering software written in
Java programming language), they can specify a version number and an
entry point for execution. The manifest may optionally contain a
cryptographic hash or
checksum of each file. By creating a cryptographic signature for such a manifest file, the entire contents of the distribution package can be validated for authenticity and integrity, as altering any of the files will invalidate the checksums in the manifest file.
Application and assembly manifest In
Microsoft Windows, software that relies on Windows Side-by-Side (
WinSxS) needs an application manifest, which is an
XML document that is either embedded in an
executable file or contained in a separate
XML file that accompanies it. It bears name, version, trust information, privileges required for execution and dependencies on other components. An assembly manifest is very similar to an application manifest but describes the identity of components known as "
assemblies". These assemblies are referred to in the application manifest. An example of an application manifest is as follows. This application manifest has two core parts: Security and dependency. The security part says that the application requires "asInvoker" security level; that is, it can be operated at whatever security level it is executed. The dependency part says the application needs a component called "Microsoft.VC90.CRT" with version number "9.0.21022.8".
HTML5 cache manifest A cache manifest in HTML5 was a
plain text file accompanying a
web app that helps it run when there is no network connectivity. The caching mechanism of web browser did read this file and ensured that its contents are available locally. An HTML5 cache manifest has to be served with its content type set to "text/cache-manifest". Major web browsers removed support for the cache manifest. Using
service workers is recommended instead. Example of a cache manifest: CACHE MANIFEST /test.css /test.js /test.png
Webmanifest A webmanifest is a
JSON file used in
progressive web apps to make them easily shareable via a URL, discoverable by a search engines, and alleviates complex installation procedures. Furthermore, PWAs support native app-style interactions and navigation, including being added to
home screen, displaying
splash screens, etc.
WebExtension manifest The WebExtension manifest is a file called manifest.json used to configure
browser extensions. The standard is currently in version 3, but version 2 is still supported by
gecko-based browsers like
Mozilla Firefox. ==References==