Descriptors

A descriptor is an XML document which describes to a node how to create a particular netlet. The descriptor may be digitally signed by the netlet creator.

The descriptor contains (directly or by reference) the Jar files comprising the netlet, the name of the main class, and arguments which are used to configure the new netlet. It also contains a secret which enables auditing and status information concerning the netlet to be yielded to any holder of that secret.

Multiple versions of the Jtrix base API may be supported by one descriptor. All programming-related data in the descriptor may be API version specific, and more than one API version may be supported.

A descriptor may be contained in a warrant. In this case the warrant shows not just the right to use a service, but also the specific netlet used to provide access to it. However this carries trust-related penalties--see Sections  and .