Re: [Installbase-devel] InstallBase

[Damon C. <da...@yo...>]

> I have started using the installBase program to assist in installing our
> java projects for clients.  We have a series of software suites, but each
> client often receives a large amount of custom development.
> 
> Due to the use of java, we use a wrapper client to help manage service style
> programs to run under Unix/windows/etc.  As such we end up with a directory
> structure that is more than 2 directories deep.
> 
> Extensive testing has shown that as soon as I have a group that refers to a
> three deep structure, the install fails (no error appears, the log window
> shows nothing and the files are not installed).  For example:
> 
> Group Name		wrapper-bin-logs
> Destination Directory	<InstallDir>/wrapper/bin/logs
> 
> 
> If I have a directory with only two levels (eg. <InstallDir>/wrapper/bin)
> there is no problem.  I presume there is some hard coded behaviour in the
> software in this regard, hence the problem.

    I will look into this, but I think you shouldn't see this problem with
the next release.  I've completely re-written the way groups are handled
in 1.0a6.  It now has a more traditional feel.  When you drop a directory
into a file group, it simply adds that directory as a single item with all
of its children beneath it.  I will make sure that multi-level directories
beyond 3 function properly, but I don't think it will have a problem.

> The next problem I have is the ability to auto-generate groups.  I have read
> comments about the idea of having multiple directories in one group and
> understand the reasoning behind your current logic.  The enhancement I see
> as solving other peoples issues (and my own) would be the ability to
> automatically generate groups when dragging and dropping from explorer.

    Look into the "Project Preferences" option "Create new file groups
while adding directories."  This option allows you to drag an entire
application onto the file group window, and it will create new groups
for each subdirectory.

> The other option would be to have an import tool.  The idea would be if
> you had the following structure on your hd:
> 
> 	/temp/a/a.txt
> 	/temp/a/aa.txt
> 	/temp/a/b/b.txt
> 	/temp/a/b/b.txt
> 	/temp/a/c/c.txt
> 	/temp/a/c/d/d.txt
> 
> You could choose to import by dragging in the 'a' directory.  Specify that a
> will be installed to "<InstallDir>/myDir", the default name group name is
> "myDir" then tick a box to auto generate groups.  The end result would be
> the following:
> 
> 	Group Name		Destination Directory
> 	myDir			<InstallDir>/myDir
> 	myDir-b			<InstallDir>/myDir/b
> 	myDir-c			<InstallDir>/myDir/c
> 	myDir-c-d		<InstallDir>/myDir/c/d
> 
> With the appropriate files in the relevant groups.

    This is also possible.  Take, say, the "Program Files" file group
and set its directory to <InstallDir>/myDir.  Then, in the properties
window of "Program Files," set the Auto-Update Directory to whatever
directory is the root of your application.  Click the "Recursively check
auto-update directory" option.  Then, from the File Group window, click
the far left button "Check all directories for updates."  This also requires
the "Create new file groups when adding directories" option.

> In our company we tend to have complex structures, which is mainly related
> to using java (with service style programs).  The above enhancement would
> greatly increase our productivity.  I also believe the enhancement would
> help solve peoples issues with having more than one directory under one
> group.

    This should be a lot easier in the new version.  You will be able
to simply maintain the directory structures as they exist within their
file group.  It remains to be seen whether or not the overall enhancement
will be appreciated by all. 0-]

> I have also noticed data corruption on some areas if I double click to edit
> the properties.  To resolve these issues only a reinstall of installBase has
> fixed the problem, with the loss of all install projects.  I do not know if
> the corruption corrupts on the project under which I double clicked, or all
> projects (no time to test sorry).  I am running under Windows XP with
> version 1.0a5.  If I get time I will try to get you further information on
> this issue.

    I will play around a bit, but any more information you can give me on
this would be greatly appreciated.  I've never noticed any kind of project
or InstallBase corruption in all the time I've been using it.  It is
certainly possible though. 0-]

> If you have need of some assistance, then I may be able to assist in some c
> development.  My background is 4gl's, c/c++, java.  Mainly dos/unix c as I
> tend to work more on handheld RF systems and unix.  I have some ideas that
> may improve the software and am happy to pass them along if you wish.

    Any ideas you have to improve the software would be GREATLY appreciated.
Particularly any ideas you might as far as user interface, and/or things
that might make InstallBase easier to use from a Java developer's
perspective.  I have had several requests for features related to Java, and
I'd like to see InstallBase work well with installing Java applications.

Thanks!

Damon