IDENTIFICATION OF HOST-COMPATIBLE DOWNLOADABLE APPLICATIONS

A user's (client) computer sends a request for a listing of applications which can be downloaded from a server in an electronic marketplace and a list of functions provided by a host program. A description of an application, such as in an application manifest, provides a list of required functions and, preferably, a list of optional functions for a software application. The server sends a list of applications supported by those functions. Those supported applications are displayed to the user as being available for downloading. The user selects the desired application and the user's computer requests, and the server provides, a download of that application. The downloaded application will then operate on the user's computer using the required functions provided by the host programs, and may use any optional functions provided by the host programs.