How to create an installer file

Question

I am completing my C ++ project correctly and I am looking for a way to create my own C ++ installation file that will create the project DLL and exe files in a specific path

What is an easier way to find out how to do this?

Answer 1

There are several ways to create an installer. Although you can, of course, always do this yourself, you should do Google for something like "create an installer." Some ready-made solutions include the “InstallShield” or “.msi” file format, which you can create yourself using something like the “Advanced Installer”.

Of course, if you want your users to create your project from the source, you need a make file and make sure that you have compiled all the libraries. There are also kits such as autotools to do this for you.

Answer 2

If you are using VS 2010, Installshield LE will suffice as it is integrated into VS 2010. If you have access to the Installshield IDE, there is nothing better for your packaging needs.

There are two ways to pack:

a) The LEGACY way b) The Windows Installer way, Basic MSI is the keyword here. 

The LEGACY method involves creating your own scripts for:

 a) Installing the files to their locations b) Writing registry entries, if needed c) Registering COM components, if needed d) Creating shortcuts etc... 

Tools that can be used for the LEGACY approach:

 a) NSIS - very good and has a scripting language of its own. b) Installshield - has a project type called Installscript Project. Installscript is the scripting language to be used. 

The Windows installer path is a bit more complicated than LEGACY. You need to learn the basics of MSI technology, which can be complex. The created package has .msi as an extension. This file is a database that the developer configures, and the Windows installer takes care of all other things. This is called the TRANSACTIONAL installation procedure. Even the user interface presented during installation is configured in the database using tables such as Dialog, Controls, etc.

Tools that can be used for the Windows Installer approach:

 a) Installshield - has a project type called Basic MSI b) Wix - Opensource and xml based. You configure appropriately named xml files and various utilities in the Wix package will help you to create an MSI package. 

Answer 3

First, after the project is completed, click "Save." The second click on the file tab, Add, New Project.

In the new project, click on other types of projects, "Installation and Deployment", and in this you can click InstallShield LE or the Visual Studio installer.

Hope this helps you

Answer 4

I always recommend NSIS . You can also explore the HM Nis Edit - this is an IDE for NSIS that has a useful wizard feature. It will create a script installer for you, which you can further customize. The documentation is extensive.

Answer 5

cannot believe that no one mentioned install creator pro (there is also a free version with a branded message that appears after installation). Its set of functions is rather limited, although it has options for writing registry values ​​and specifying custom paths to% AppData% or anywhere else where you can install some files. it also has an additional wizard interface, and with each step you have the opportunity to view each individual page.

The paid version offers the option of adding a serial number / registration to your program. I have never tried, so I'm not sure how effective it is. its also a pretty and expensive small program, but I would recommend it at least for beginners or someone who cares more about maintaining the code base of their program and is less interested in how to fancy and design their installer.

I know that it has been a long time since it was published, but for future references this program is much easier for anyone starting to create installation packages for the first time