Deployment for a visual C++ program using 2015 community

[Atilliar]

Hey guys, I'm at the point where I need to get ready for deployment. I've never deployed a visual c++ program before and I'm using visual studios 2015 community. All of the guides I've read said to use InstallShield Limited Edition Project but I am under the impression that it is not compatible with community. What options do I have?

[helios]

My first question would be, do you need an installer?

[Atilliar]

I assume so. I'm looking to install the app on several computers.

[helios]

Well, the reason people use installers is because they need the application to integrate into the system. For example, be associated with certain file types, start when the user logs on, create shortcuts, that sort of thing. Do you need anything like this.

If you do, the second question is, do you need to create an MSIS installer, or just any installer will do? Creating MSIS installers is generally more complex, so if you don't need Windows Installer functionality, I'd recommend against doing it.

MSIS installer generation tools:
WiX Toolset: http://wixtoolset.org/

EXE installer generators:
Inno Setup: http://www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php
NSIS: https://sourceforge.net/projects/nsis/

[Atilliar]

Thanks for the help. I ended up able accomplish my goal using Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Installer Project (which there is also a 2017 version) using the steps from this video: https://youtu.be/tGCuYwVzPFM

Thanks for getting me on the right path! Hopefully someone will find this useful in the future.