I am looking for some general feedback here. I have a very simple application that I created in VC# Express 2008, with no special dependencies.
Now, I am going to release it as open source, and am curious as to how I should deploy it. Do I need to create an installer package with any dll's? Should I just zip up the *.exe file with a README?
Also, how should I go about handling the requirement for the .NET framework that a C# program needs?
You can use WiX. That will handle .Net framework dependency.
Updated: As an open source project you don't need to include setup application. It is extra (fancy staff).
The express versions only include the Publish option (Click Once). I would advice to read the EULA first, there are restrictions on distributing applications made with the Express versions.
Also see this SO question.
Related
I have database,images and text files in my project and i would like to make instalation..
Also I would like to put prerequirements so that people who install this must install version of .net framework i used in my project
What is the best way to achieve that?
UPDATE:
I wanted to use microsoft visual studio installer but it doesnt work .. it doenst create exe file and i cant open app
I've personally used NSIS for making installers. It has an extensible scripting bit to put whatever prerequisites you need(TOS, EULA, ect.) and it can easily create a professional looking installer.
Try using Inno Setup. It has a good scripting language along with a wizard if you don't want to script. It's also free (unless you are deploying commercial applications).
I used Visual Studio 2015 InstallShield Limited Edition Project to create my application setup.
My application must be installed api.msi, .net3.5 and .net4.5 to be exeuted.
In "Specify Application Data->Redistributables", I only can add .net3.5 and .net 4.5 to my setup. but i can't add api.msi to Redistributables.
How do i add api.msi to Redistributables?
this is my Redistributables
I hope the installation steps are as follows
run setup->set install path->install .net(3.5 and 4.5) & api.msi & application.
Best way to do it is by creating merge module and add it to your project for details refer the link
InstallShield can include either merge modules or prerequisites, but the Limited and Express editions do not include the capabilities to build either. Both options are available with the Professional and higher editions, and other tools may be able to create merge modules.
You can download an eval copy of InstallShield and throw it on a VM. Build your setup prereq file (.PRQ) for it. Copy the PRQ and api.msi to your machine with InstallShield LE and consume it.
You can read more about how to author a PRQ here: (Disclosure: My blog article from 11 years ago)
http://iswix.com/2006/11/21/using-installshield-12-to-install-net-framework-3-0/
I maintain an open source project called IsWiX that creates graphical UIs for managing XML documents. I thought about creating a tool to maintain PRQ files. It would only take me a day to write it but I was concerned Flexera might get really irritated. :)
I made a search to find how am I adding an installer to my c# application. In every result I found that I need to add new file from Setup and Deployment templates, but I have no those templates. Even in online search I didn't find so.
what should I do?
The VS setup templates were removed post VS-2010.
Now, you have to use something else. "InstallShield" is still available, and Wix is a very popular install framework. You can, of course, just roll your own installer as well.
Alternatively, just use VS 2010 or earlier to create your setup/deployment projects.
I reckon you should do some research. There are many options out there depending on your type of application. Is it an executable that runs locally? Is it a Web application? Or a mobile application?
Microsoft provides lots of options/guides out of the box. Assuming you use Visual Studio 2013 check this MSDN article which is a good guide to start your research journey: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/wtzawcsz.aspx
I'd like to create a setup using InstallShield. This setup must install on the pc the Framework .NET 40fx, and after this, install one application that developed in C#.
I have the framework setup, and my applications setup too.
How can I do that?
Thanks!
It sounds like what you're trying to do is install your application along with its various prerequisites.
In the InstallShield IDE, click on "Redistributables". Here you will find merge modules for many many prerequisites. (if .NET 4.0 isn't in the list, use the InstallShield updater to download it)
There are a few options relating to how redistributables are handled. See here for more info:
http://kb.flexerasoftware.com/doc/Helpnet/installshield16helplib_sp1/IncludingRedistributables.htm
Using installShield 2009 I don't have the option of .Net 4.0 like a redistributable, so I resolved this question inserting a prerequisite. it's easy and worked.
Check it out:
http://blog.iswix.com/2006/11/using-installshield-12-to-install-net.html
I have found a lot of programs to make an installation package for .net application but non of them meet my requirements.
I'm looking for a free application which is able to create installation and uninstallation package and is able to check if net framework and sql 2008 Redistributable is installed if not application should be able to install them first and then start application installation process
Take a look at Wix.
It is free, but the initial learning curve may be a little bit harder then other programms. The output of WiX is a *.msi package.
I recommend Inno Setup - I compared it once with NSIS and found it more usable. It suports scripting, and you will find example scripts for installation of .NET and other redistributables through the search engine of your choice.
Did you try installer, that is shipped with visual studio? If it is very simple, try Wix. Aslo, consider NSIS.
Or Windows Installer?
If you have Visual Studio installed then you can simply create a setup project within your solution. If not, then download from the above link (or fine the appropriate version to download) and utilise the set creation application manually.