Run apps without installing them.

Decentralized. Open source. Works on Windows, Linux and macOS.

Examples

0install run https://apps.0install.net/gui/vs-code.xml

Download Visual Studio Code into a cache and run it.

0install add go https://apps.0install.net/golang/go.xml

Add alias for running go to your PATH.

0install run --version=26.9.0 https://apps.0install.net/javascript/node.xml

Run specific version of Node.js.

How does it work?

Fetch the feed

The URL points to a GPG-signed XML feed listing versions, downloads and dependencies.
Pick versions

A solver picks compatible versions of the app and its dependencies for your OS and CPU.
Download and verify

Archives are hash-checked against the signed feed and unpacked into a content-addressed cache.
Run

The app runs from the cache, with environment variables pointing to its dependencies.

	Zero Install	APT / DNF	winget	Homebrew
Non-admins can install software	Yes	No	Some	Yes
Supports multiple platforms	Yes	Linux	Windows	macOS and Linux
Multiple versions coexist	Yes	No	No	Some
Decentralized	Yes	No	Extra sources	Taps
Digital signatures	Yes	Yes	Hashes	Hashes
Can install systems software	No	Yes	Yes	No

Publish on any static web host, with no central registry to be admitted to.