The .application file format was created by Microsoft to use with their ClickOnce software deployment technology. Also known as "Smart Applications", they can be easily installed over the internet by accessing a single link, hence the "ClickOnce" name.

This technology is a Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 (and later) component and it's the same as Zero Install for Linux and Java Web Start for the Java Platform.

All .application files include an installation manifest in XML format used for storing all the information needed for the software deployment process. This includes the program's name, version, software dependencies, setup options and description. It can also include a digital signature.

Also, all .application files come with an attached .appref-ms file used for activating and running ClickOnce within the Microsoft .NET Framework.

How to open .APPLICATION files

Before using .application files in order to deploy software on their computers, users need to make sure that they have at least Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 installed as all .application files use the .NET Framework to run on client machines.

The software used for opening .application files in order to view and edit their content is Microsoft Visual Studio.