The HIVE application framework, much like any application framework, contains a set of tools that developers might use. These are apps. But.... not like that.
Its just the case that there are only so many words. We are demystifying and decodifying many things - a few weeks ago I did not consider that HAF would be one of them. But we did "read the manual", and sometimes with a friend, and came around to interviewing @blocktrades so he could help us work towards "demystifying HAF" as well. The full interview is in post-production.
Its probably good thing to do - as I have come to learn that these are powerful api suites that make your web applications or User interfaces even more powerful. And I really do want someone to believe me about that.
So listen well, its just 100 seconds.
The HIVE application framework, or HAF, is many powerful apps, with more to be built! When blockchain experts mention an "application framework app," they're referring to a specialized toolkit of API calls that developers use to build software—not something you download from an app store! These framework "apps" are like digital building blocks that make it easier for developers to create powerful applications without starting from scratch.
Unlike the mobile apps we tap on our phones, these framework "apps" work behind the scenes, connecting different parts of a platform together. They're the invisible infrastructure that powers the user-friendly experiences we enjoy.
Think of it this way: mobile apps are what you use, while application framework "apps" are what developers use to create what you use!
And so that is a good answer, of course totally and completely selfish, but we thank blocktrades for demystifying that. So if your favorite DHF proposal will build an invoicing/accounting/fundraising/crowdfunding HAF app, you can be sure that they are not competing with:
Keychain Store
HiveDebit
SpendHBD
Distriator
But instead, probably might be building useful tools to connect the things we already have, here around this database of a chain we call home.