Alex Rivera | Logout

I don't "get" how a program can update itself. How can I make my software update?

Asked 2009-11-17T12:36:05.207
32

Say I make an .exe file and everything is peachy. Wonderful it works.

Say I worked on a new feature on the software and I want it to be available for people who already have the older version, how can I make the software find my new version, patch it, and then go about it's business.

I can't seem to wrap my head around the issue.

Thank you.

EDIT: I'm sorry for the confusion, but I was meaning a more code-wise answer. Is there something special in my code I should have to allow updating?

For example, if I want to add a new feature, how can I add a "method" to an already packaged .exe? :S That has me in a swivel.

c# upgrade patch
Edit
Report

1 Answer

18

A popular solution is to actually have a separate process replace the necessary files.

Have you ever noticed that Firefox has to restart whenever it updates? Well, that is because a separate process (updater.exe) is downloading the files, closing firefox, replacing the files, and then starting firefox again.

edit of course this assumes you're hosting a list of updates online that the updater program can check (an RSS feed, or even a simple text file).

answered 2009-11-17T12:38:20.353

Your Answer