What is an .orb application? - Printable Version +- Orbit OS -- Forums (https://forum.orbit-os.org) +-- Forum: Development & SDKs (https://forum.orbit-os.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=7) +--- Forum: Architecture Overview (https://forum.orbit-os.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=37) +--- Thread: What is an .orb application? (/showthread.php?tid=5)

What is an .orb application? - admin - 03-24-2026 At the core of Orbit OS is a simple idea: Everything runs as an application. These applications are packaged using the .orb format — the standard way to build, distribute, and run software on Orbit OS devices. What is an .orb? An .orb file is a self-contained application package. It includes everything needed to run: Application code (Go, Python, Java, C++, etc.) Configuration Permissions Metadata (name, version, dependencies) Once installed, the system takes care of the rest. Why .orb? Embedded systems are traditionally hard to manage: Manual deployments Inconsistent environments Difficult updates Limited isolation .orb solves this by introducing a standard, reliable application model: Install apps in a consistent way Update them safely Run them in isolation Manage them remotely How does it work? From a developer perspective, the workflow is simple: Build your application using the Orbit OS SDK Package it into an .orb file Install/Update it on device The runtime handles: Execution Restart on failure Resource access Security enforcement What can an .orb app do? Applications can interact directly with the device through the OrbitOS APIs: Control Peripherals, GPIO, I²C, UART, PWM etc. Configure network, time etc. Communicate over network protocols Process data locally (including AI models) Integrate with external services Isolation & Security Each .orb application runs in a controlled environment: Defined permissions No direct system access unless allowed Secure communication between components This ensures that applications remain safe and predictable — even in production environments. More than just packaging .orb is not just a file format. It is the foundation for: Application distribution Remote deployment Version control Device-level orchestration It enables Orbit OS to behave like a true application platform for embedded devices. What’s next? In upcoming posts, we’ll cover: How to build your first .orb application Packaging structure and tools Deploying apps through the dashboard With .orb, devices stop being static systems — and become programmable platforms.