Re: Multiplatform installer

[Philippe Lhoste <PhiLho@...>]

Daniel Quintela wrote:
> Ignacio Castaño escribió:
> > I really like the idea, but I've not been able to run the win32 
> > binaries, it
> > shows a message box saying: "Setup image is corrupt".
> Ignacio:
>
> You must to "build" a setup or setup.exe following the instructions in 
> README.
> The executable shows that message because it can't find a zip "pasted" 
> at its end.

I felt in the same trap, but I finished to follow the README 
instructions with success (Win98SE). I understand this is only a demo 
showing the proof-of-concept, so I won't complain about this convoluted 
method :-)

The idea (of multiplaform/Lua based installer) is interesting. Of 
course, it shows its limits and constraints: using a 183KB binary to 
install a program is a bit heavy (compared to NSIS...).

That's the price to pay for multiplaform (FLTK) and complex/powerful 
scripting capability (Lua), it adds quite an overhead.

It is OK for big applications but a burden to install small applications 
(that can be below 180KB...) Then again, such programs rarely need an 
installer (except for special progs like shell extensions) or the 
clueless user will have to paid the price (bigger download) to ease his 
life... That's why I appreciate sites providing both files (raw Zip file 
and installer).

I like the capability of localization (the language file). I suppose you 
will provide a way to see the current language setting of the user 
and/or to choose a language in the wizard.

Minor style remark: for Windows paths, I prefer to write:
[[c:\Program Files\SoongSoft\SoongInstall]]
instead of:
'c:\\Program Files\\SoongSoft\\SoongInstall'

Easier for the eyes and the typing hand...

In the wizard, the '%.1f MB' strings are not subtitued with real value, 
I suppose it is left for future developments.

The FLTK file selection dialog is ugly (fonts too big, bold, etc.). And 
it puts '/' as path separators. It probably works, but it can be a bit 
disturbing for some users.

You don't create anything, which is OK for a demo.

I suppose there is still a long way to go, to handle platform 
specificities, like creating various icons (or not) on Windows, 
sub-directories in the Start menu, creating uninstall entry, 
registrering components and extensions, etc.

But so far, I see this as a good start, with clean interface (beside the 
proprietary file selector) and good functionality.
I am looking forward a real thing. :-)

--
Philippe Lhoste
--  (near) Paris -- France
--  Professional programmer and amateur artist
--  http://Phi.Lho.free.fr
--  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --