IronPython Application Distribution

Question

I am considering developing a small application using IronPython, however I want to distribute my application to non-technicians, and therefore I want to be able to provide them with a standard shortcut for my application along with the instructions that they need to install IronPython first.

If possible, I even need my shortcut to detect if IronPython is there and display a suitable warning if it is (what can I do with simple VbScript)

The problem is that IronPython does not fit into the% PATH% environment variable, so if IronPython is set to a non-standard location, the shortcut does not work.

Now I could also tell my users: “If you install IronPython to another location, you need to go and edit this shortcut and ...”, but all this is too complicated for my target audience.

Is there any reliable way to distribute my IronPython dependent application?

Answer 1

I would not look for IronPython - I would add all the necessary IronPython runtime files directly to your application. Then it is 100% reliable :-)