View Full Version : Building desktop installers in v1.1
barrymavin
2014-03-06, 00:26
I know some of you have been wanting to deploy runtime desktop apps to your users and have had difficulty understanding how to do this using the NSIS installer.
So, to simplify the deployment of Lianja desktop Apps we have added the ability to build a windows installer for your App(s) using the NSIS installer and have integrated this into the "Deploy" workspace.
There is a template installer file which you can open and customize then creating a new installer will always copy that template as a starting point for other installers that you create.
See screenshot below.
560
Quickstart to building a desktop installer.
When you get the v1.1 build.
1. Select "Deploy"
2. Double click the "template" installer at the top left of the tree.
3. Click the build button.
4. Wait and watch.
5. Copy c:\lianja\installers\template\template-setup.exe to another machine.
6. Install it. This will install all the demo Apps. Customize it for whatever you want to install.
It will install the app center without user interaction if it is not already installed.
Simple steps.
Excellent. Thank you Barry!
Hi Barry,
This feature should be very helpful.
Here are a few notes:
- After you download the App Centre and place it in the redist folder, you need to rename it.
The file is: LianjaAppCenter-1.1.0Beta1-windows-installer.exe
The file it's looking for is: LianjaAppCenter-1.1.0 (Beta1)-windows-installer.exe
- While examining the setup file that was created, the install started immediately after accepting the license agreement and the cancel button was not available.
Normally setup files have a 'Finish' option before the install begins. It took me by surprise when the install started. I wasn't planning on running the actual install.
Doesn't seem like it affected anything for the developer side.
What makes this setup wizard different is that the select install location is not displayed.
Will there be an uninstall option if the App Builder is installed?
Cory
barrymavin
2014-03-12, 23:48
I have changed the version naming inside the product to match the distro now.
This is a template file for NSIS which is fully customizable. I will looking into allowing you to choose a drive to install on. Currently that is specified in the template file.
Will there be an uninstall option if the App Builder is installed?
Not sure what you mean by that. This is for distributing runtime apps. If the App Center (runtime redistribution) is already installed then it is not overwritten.
There is an uninstaller created at the end of the install.
Hi Barry,
Sorry, I mistyped. I did mean App Centre.
If an option is available to select the drive to install on, I suggest the default location(s) should be taken from the template file.
To keep installs (and file locations) consistent, I do understand why this option is currently unavailable.
Thanks,
Cory
Out of curiosity,
if the app center isn't installed if a previous install is detected, how are Lianja updates from the app builder cascaded to the user?
For example, if a computer has a RC version of the app center, will all changes made up to 1.1 Beta be seen/useable when an app is deployed?
I'm just not sure how the app centre differs regarding file associations.
Cory
yvonne.milne
2014-03-19, 06:58
Hi Cory,
The template installer defaults to not installing the Lianja App Center if it is already installed, but you can change this. If I comment out the lines, as in the screenshot, the Lianja App Center will be installed.
Regards,
Yvonne
588
Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for the reply.
Another question:
My preference is to uninstall a program before installing a new version rather than installing a new version on top of existing software.
Doing it this way also eliminates multiple versions showing up in windows control panel programs and features section.
Is there any possibility of uninstalling a previous version before installing a new app center version?
Thanks,
Cory
barrymavin
2014-03-21, 10:12
You can edit the installer script and if the uninstall is there then run it.
Hi Barry,
Could you help me with the uninstall.
I've tried a few variations, including the following which was placed immediately before the install commands:
IfFileExists "$INSTDIR\uninstall.exe" 0
ExecWait '"$INSTDIR\uninstall.exe" _?=$INSTDIR'
Here are a few problems I've encountered:
- usually the uninstall confirmation does not appear until after all commands in the setup file have executed;
- if the uninstall confirmation does appear, the setup does not stop to allow the uninstall utility to complete before continuing to the next command;
- the uninstall command is executed after the install is checked, which doesn't make any sense.
607
Cory
barrymavin
2014-04-01, 08:39
Hi Cory,
Sorry been very busy. I'll get back to you.
barrymavin
2014-04-03, 20:03
Hi Cory,
have a read of this blog which has some good info on NSIS.
http://kalanir.blogspot.com/2011/08/nsis-how-to-write-uninstaller.html
Hi Barry,
Thanks for the link although I didn't find it all that useful.
The blog article only describes how to create an uninstaller. Lianja already creates this.
I would like to run the uninstaller prior to installing the newest version.
I also tried searching the blog site for other entries; however that was the only one that would display.
I'll keep searching for other possibilities.
Cory
barrymavin
2014-04-04, 09:03
Hi Cory,
so as not to confuse anyone reading this thread, what you want to do is uninstall the Lianja app center while installing your own app that will install the app center...
so why not edit the NSIS installer file and just overwrite it.
you can remove the registry entries first that you see in programs and features so you don't see this more than once,
search the windows registry for them using Regedit.
When can I download the redistributable file LianjaAppCenter-1.1.1-windows-installer.exe I don't found.
Thanks
davefoss
2014-05-19, 13:45
When can I download the redistributable file LianjaAppCenter-1.1.1-windows-installer.exe I don't found.
Thanks
We are currently shipping version 1.1.2 of the Lianja App Center and it is available in the regular download section of the website:
https://www.lianja.com/index.php/component/rsfiles/files?folder=Windows
But, this I'm downloaded again, but I need this for build the installer.
How can made it?
Thanks
Victor Navarro
Barranquilla, COLOMBIA
3008102508
ICQ 279 364 380
Face: +573008102508 (http://www.facebook.com/victorenrique.navarrohoyos)
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yvonne.milne
2014-05-20, 03:48
Hi Victor,
The Template Installer script includes commands to install the Lianja App Center if it is not already installed. This is discussed at the beginning of this Forum thread. You do not have to include the Lianja App Center in your Installer if your users already have it.
If the Lianja App Center is included in the Installer, it should be the same version as your Lianja App Builder where you do your development. When you download the Lianja App Builder, download the Lianja App Center too, but do not install it. Just put the Lianja App Center download in your drive:\lianja\redist\ directory.
Regards,
Yvonne
Installer is the same then a .exe desktop app?
Victor Navarro
Barranquilla, COLOMBIA
3008102508
ICQ 279 364 380
Face: +573008102508 (http://www.facebook.com/victorenrique.navarrohoyos)
MSN: eres_un_vago@hotmail.com
Mail: eres_un_vago@yahoo.es (mailto:eres_un_vago@yahoo.es)
Whatsapp: +573008102508
Skype: eres_un_vago (skype:eres_un_vago?chat)
PIN: 7A3F5E60
Hi Victor,
no, it is not. Your installer is similar to any other installer, installing the runtime and the application files. In Lianja, the user (typically) logs into the app center, and based on their security roles, has access to one or more apps. They start the app by clicking on the app icon. At that point, the lianja runtime is called, behind the scene, with the name of the app.
Running an app by running an EXE is only one way of running an app, even in VFP. Because of the nature of Lianja (meant for desktop and cloud), creating an app that runs as an EXE isn't practical, nor is it needed. Lianja installs the entire app (but only the .dbo, or compiled version, of the prg files). Even in VFP, it is common to put files outside the exe (e.g., report files that might be modified, or .fxp files, for routines that might need a hotfix). Because Lianja uses the .dbo files, a cloud server app can be upgraded on-the-fly.
In addition, of course, Lianja runtime runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. A Windows exe could not do this, for obvious reasons.
From the user's perspective, however, there is no difference between distributing an installer that has an exe and the VFP runtime inside it, and distributing an installer that has the app files and the app center inside it.
In both VFP and Lianja, having an installer makes it easier to distribute. In both, you can actually distribute the same files without an installer: it's just harder to do so, in both cases. Lianja also has the ability to pack as an .lpk, or Lianja Package. This is a good way to distribute upgrades.
hth,
Hank
Thanks Hank
This like me.
For give to clients the installer; the client must have any requirements? Must they buy a licence?
Thanks again
Victor Navarro
Barranquilla, COLOMBIA
3008102508
ICQ 279 364 380
Face: +573008102508 (http://www.facebook.com/victorenrique.navarrohoyos)
MSN: eres_un_vago@hotmail.com
Mail: eres_un_vago@yahoo.es (mailto:eres_un_vago@yahoo.es)
Whatsapp: +573008102508
Skype: eres_un_vago (skype:eres_un_vago?chat)
PIN: 7A3F5E60
lianjasupport
2014-07-02, 12:54
Hi Victor,
No, Lianja desktop Apps are runtime royalty free.
in version 1.2 ; How can do it?
Thanks
Victor Navarro
Barranquilla, COLOMBIA
3008102508
ICQ 279 364 380
Face: +573008102508 (http://www.facebook.com/victorenrique.navarrohoyos)
MSN: eres_un_vago@hotmail.com
Mail: eres_un_vago@yahoo.es (mailto:eres_un_vago@yahoo.es)
Whatsapp: +573008102508
Skype: eres_un_vago (skype:eres_un_vago?chat)
PIN: 7A3F5E60
barrymavin
2014-08-15, 21:13
You asked the same question a year ago and the answer is the same as it was then.
http://www.lianja.com/community/showthread.php?2029-Send-my-apps-to-clients&highlight=Desktop+installer
Thanks again.
The result file can be copied to clients.
In wich directory will be installed the project?
Thanks again.
Victor Navarro
Barranquilla, COLOMBIA
3008102508
ICQ 279 364 380
Face: +573008102508 (http://www.facebook.com/victorenrique.navarrohoyos)
MSN: eres_un_vago@hotmail.com
Mail: eres_un_vago@yahoo.es (mailto:eres_un_vago@yahoo.es)
Whatsapp: +573008102508
Skype: eres_un_vago (skype:eres_un_vago?chat)
PIN: 7A3F5E60
yvonne.milne
2014-08-18, 03:57
Default directories for Apps, data and Library scripts are listed here: http://www.lianja.com/doc/index.php/Deploying_to_Local_Directory.
Regards,
Yvonne
Hi,
can i make an app with Lianja, then make a (.exe) file or an installer package to install on another machine without having to install Lianja on that machine, (i.e. can i make a software package just like i do using VB)
if so, can you give me a link to a video to show me please.
many thanks for your time
Hi hameed,
This thread should describe what is needed to create an installer.
When you create the installer, you include the App Center and it will install it on the user's machine.
The App Centre is what the user uses to access your app.
The user only needs to have the App Builder installed if you plan on making modifications on that machine.
A separate developer's license would be needed in that case.
Cory
Thanks Cory,
is there a step by step guide from start to finish? can i possibly email you what i want to do, and get a step by step video on how to do it?
and what packages i need to purchase to do this type of work on regular bases.
many thanks for your support
Hameed,
What problem(s) are you having, when you follow the directions in the link, above?
Hank
I'm new to all this, maybe I'm going the wrong way about the whole way of building my app and using the software, but i think your app will serve my organisation well, is there a possibility to email you what i need to achieve and for you to send me a video of how to do it (starting form scratch), and also what licenses i need to purchase for me and my clients?
many thanks
yvonne.milne
2014-08-28, 07:30
Hi Hameed,
Submit a Ticket (http://www.lianja.com/support/newticket) on the main website (Department: Pre Sales), letting us know your aims and requirements and we can advise you.
Regards,
Yvonne Milne
Thanks yvonne
In the destination directory on client machine; whic file is the "executable"?
Thanks again
Victor Navarro
Barranquilla, COLOMBIA
3008102508
ICQ 279 364 380
Face: +573008102508 (http://www.facebook.com/victorenrique.navarrohoyos)
MSN: eres_un_vago@hotmail.com
Mail: eres_un_vago@yahoo.es (mailto:eres_un_vago@yahoo.es)
Whatsapp: +573008102508
Skype: eres_un_vago (skype:eres_un_vago?chat)
PIN: 7A3F5E60
barrymavin
2014-09-07, 00:40
You build an installer which is a .exe file that installs everything the user needs to run your App(s).
Lianja is for desktop, web and mobile. There is no concept of an "exe" in the web.
You cannot build an "exe" for desktop that will run without any data or other supporting files that Lianja needs.
yvonne.milne
2014-09-08, 04:52
Hi Victor,
If you include the Lianja App Center desktop client in your Installer as discussed on the Forums previously (and the default behaviour of the Installer template), your users will start the Lianja App Center from the desktop shortcut, just as you can do on your development machine.
For command line switches that can be added to the shortcut command line, e.g. to start a particular App or include username/password information automatically, please see here:
http://www.lianja.com/doc/index.php/Command_Line_Switches
Regards,
Yvonne Milne