ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Portable Application Description

A portable application description (PAD) is like a big instruction manual for computer programs. It tells you what the program is for, how to install it, and what kind of features it has. It's like the information you read on the back of a toy box before you start playing with it.

See, when you go to download a computer program, there are usually lots of different options, but you don't always know which one you should choose. That's where PAD comes in! It helps you know what you're downloading before you start installing.

PAD provides important information like how much space the program will take up on your computer and what type of operating system it will work on. It will also tell you if it's free, or how much it will cost.

Sometimes, computer programs need to communicate with other programs on your computer, and that can cause problems. But PAD helps avoid those problems by making sure all the necessary information is included in the description.

In short, PAD is a helpful guide that helps you understand what you're downloading and ensures everything works correctly.