How to make an application on a Desktop
I've been questioning this for a while now, and from what I understand, you do this:
1.) Release the binary files (or the source code, if you think that the users know how to compile)
2.) Put it onto a website
3.)????
You see, this is the bit I don't understand. Maybe it's my fear of coding websites as opposed to telling a system what to do, but how do a few files just go into the users' ~/Downloads (or wherever)?
It's just an interest.
Thank you for any input.
1.) Release the binary files (or the source code, if you think that the users know how to compile)
2.) Put it onto a website
3.)????
You see, this is the bit I don't understand. Maybe it's my fear of coding websites as opposed to telling a system what to do, but how do a few files just go into the users' ~/Downloads (or wherever)?
It's just an interest.
Thank you for any input.
i know for sure mac does it automatically and ubuntu does havent messed around with a pc though
look into installshield and wise. I think there's some sort of free version of installshield, then you can just distribute your .msi and it will handle all of your binaries/desktop icons etc. If you're on Mac it's even easier you can just use packagemaker which is really simple. If you're on linux then check out deb and rpm
You don't stick your application on the desktop; it goes in its own folder under "Program Files".
The installer can put a shortcut to your application on the desktop...
Personally, I recommend Inno Setup. It is a very good, easy to use installer, with all kinds of powerful features you can play with.
http://www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php
You must be very careful to make sure you install things properly, and provide an uninstall option (Inno Setup will do this for you automatically).
Also, make sure you compile your program for "release" mode - avoid any dependencies (DLLs) you can do without, compile for size, and strip all debugging information. Make sure your program as a properly designed icon in its resource table, providing at least the bare minimum requirements Microsoft recommends. (This part, alas, is going to cost you a little money, unless you are willing to fiddle around with it yourself; but it isn't very straight-forward or easy -- unless you spend money, that is.) If you use non-standard dependencies (DLLs), you must also package them in your program's installer. (You don't need to get too adventurous with this part -- just have the installer put them in the same place your program's executable winds up.)
Hmm, I think that's all. Good luck!
The installer can put a shortcut to your application on the desktop...
Personally, I recommend Inno Setup. It is a very good, easy to use installer, with all kinds of powerful features you can play with.
http://www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php
You must be very careful to make sure you install things properly, and provide an uninstall option (Inno Setup will do this for you automatically).
Also, make sure you compile your program for "release" mode - avoid any dependencies (DLLs) you can do without, compile for size, and strip all debugging information. Make sure your program as a properly designed icon in its resource table, providing at least the bare minimum requirements Microsoft recommends. (This part, alas, is going to cost you a little money, unless you are willing to fiddle around with it yourself; but it isn't very straight-forward or easy -- unless you spend money, that is.) If you use non-standard dependencies (DLLs), you must also package them in your program's installer. (You don't need to get too adventurous with this part -- just have the installer put them in the same place your program's executable winds up.)
Hmm, I think that's all. Good luck!
Thank you, both, Duoas and ceruleus.
I'll look into this further, It's really quite interesting. For the most part, I will be making programs for Linux. If I make something that I believe to be good, well I'll have you two to thank for teaching me.
Thank you so much!
I'll look into this further, It's really quite interesting. For the most part, I will be making programs for Linux. If I make something that I believe to be good, well I'll have you two to thank for teaching me.
Thank you so much!
Er, the "Downloads" directory and the "Desktop" are Microsoft Windows things. If you are talking about a specific Linux desktop system, that is one thing, but for Linux in general, that is another thing.
Linux has a different application distribution/install mechanism than does Windows. Here's something worth reading:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/254054/best-approach-to-writing-a-generic-installer-for-a-linux-application
Good luck!
Linux has a different application distribution/install mechanism than does Windows. Here's something worth reading:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/254054/best-approach-to-writing-a-generic-installer-for-a-linux-application
Good luck!
what do you mean? I have a mac and (except for one exception which is zip files) all of my downloads go to the download folder. Same when I used ubuntu
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