> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications.md). # Applications Applications provide a unified business view of code, open-source components, infrastructure, and runtime assets. They connect security findings to ownership and business context across the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Use applications to define boundaries, assess risk, and prioritize remediation for critical services. ### Build and manage applications Choose the workflow that fits your application model: * [Define applications by Code Criteria](/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications/defining-business-applications/define-applications-by-code-criteria.md): Create applications from VCS organizations, projects, or repositories. * [Define applications by Cloud Criteria](/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications/defining-business-applications/define-applications-by-cloud-criteria.md): Create applications from cloud resource tags. * [Manually build an application](/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications/manually-build-an-application.md): Start from code or cloud assets. Manage applications programmatically through [Manage applications via public APIs](/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications/manage-applications-via-public-apis.md) or [About Terraform workflows](/application-security/terraform-workflows/terraform-workflows.md). Use [View and manage applications](/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications/application-management-and-visibility.md) to review existing applications. Use [Business application assets](/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications/business-application-assets.md) to explore asset relationships and risk context. ### Control access with Application SBAC Application Scope-Based Access Control (SBAC) limits a user's access to assigned applications and their related assets. It supports least-privilege access across application data, issues, and policies. Configure tenant-level SBAC, application-based Asset Groups, and user scopes in [Scope user access to applications (Application SBAC)](/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications/scope-user-access-to-applications-application-sbac.md). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/application-security/application-security-posture-management-aspm/applications.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.