squirrel/squirrel.windows
Squirrel.windows
Squirrel.Windows is a framework for installing and updating Windows desktop applications via HTTP. It functions as an application installer, background software updater, and distribution system that operates without the use of traditional installation wizards.
The framework uses NuGet packages to distribute software and reduce download sizes through delta updates. It manages software releases by organizing updates into distinct HTTP channels to control how different user groups receive new versions.
The system handles deployment through user-mode directory installation to avoid administrative prompts and system reboots. It manages the software lifecycle using atomic update swapping, where new versions are prepared in temporary folders before being applied silently in the background.
Features
- Desktop Application Installers - Provides a framework for packaging and distributing desktop software specifically for Windows machines.
- Automatic Software Updates - Automatically detects and applies the latest software versions to local installations without manual intervention.
- User-Level Installers - Deploys application files to user-writable directories to bypass administrative prompts and installation wizards.
- Release Channel Management - Enables the organization of software updates into distinct HTTP channels for controlled release stages.
- Release Channel Managers - Manages different software update streams through HTTP channels to control versioning for user groups.
- Binary Delta Generators - Calculates byte-level differences between software releases to create delta update packages that reduce download sizes.
- Windows Installers - Deploys desktop software to Windows machines without traditional installation wizards or system reboots.
- NuGet-Based Distributions - Uses the NuGet package format for consistent versioning and delivery of application binaries over HTTP.
- User-Mode Installations - Installs software into the local app data folder to bypass the need for elevated system permissions.
- Update Channels - Provides the ability to organize updates into distinct HTTP channels to control how different user groups receive new versions.
- Background Update Execution - Provides a silent mechanism for applying new software versions in the background.
- Application Update Managers - Applies software updates silently in the background to prevent user interruptions and avoid system restarts.
- Atomic Installation Swaps - Implements atomic update swapping by preparing new versions in temporary folders before replacing the active installation.
- Installation Tools - Manages installation and updates for desktop apps.
