The term sideloading refers to the process of loading software or applications onto a device, such as a smartphone or tablet, by means other than through an official app store. This can be done either manually by downloading and installing the application directly from its developer's website, or automatically using a third-party tool that retrieves and installs the app on your behalf. Sideloading is often used to gain access to apps that are not available in the official app stores, such as those developed for specific industries or organizations, or those that have been removed from the store due to violating certain policies. However, it can also be a way to install potentially unsafe or malicious software onto your device, so caution should be exercised when sideloading apps.