InstallAnywhere® is a Java-based software tool that generates cross-platform installers for various operating systems from a single project file. It simplifies the challenges of cross-platform deployment and can perform maintenance functions. It supports variables and “Magic Folders” to specify directories or files that vary by platform. It also includes maintenance, rollback, and update modes, as well as an API for custom code.
InstallAnywhere® is a computer software product that allows developers to create cross-platform installers for their programs. It is a Java-based software tool that can generate installers for many different computer operating systems from a single project file. The program addresses some of the challenges of cross-platform deployment and can also perform uninstall and maintenance functions.
While there are numerous solutions for building applications that run on multiple operating systems, there is no method that completely removes all obstacles to building cross-platform applications. Simple differences between operating systems, like how shortcuts are created or the folders where a user’s documents are stored, can cause additional headaches for programmers. Installers—programs that install other programs—are no exception, and building a cross-platform application usually means creating a separate installer for each platform your software is intended to run on.
InstallAnywhere® is a program that aims to simplify these tasks by generating multiple installers from a single input project. The program can generate installation software for almost any platform that supports Java. Graphical installers are the default, but more expensive versions of InstallAnywhere® can also produce command-line installers or “silent” installers that do not interact with the user. Localization into several languages is also supported.
The challenges of cross-platform deployment are addressed in several ways in InstallAnywhere®. Installers created with the program use the Java programming language. Because Java applications run inside a “virtual machine,” installers will run on any platform with a virtual machine installed. If no virtual machine is available, the installers may also include one to ensure that the program runs. An included feature known as LaunchAnywhere can automatically create and configure a Java environment in which to run a program.
InstallAnywhere® software also supports variables that developers can use to specify a directory or file that can vary from platform to platform. A user’s home directory, which can be in a variety of locations, can be targeted with the “$USER_DIR$” variable, which is then interpreted by the installer based on the operating system. The program calls this feature “Magic Folders”.
In addition to performing installation functions, InstallAnywhere® can help manage, update, or uninstall programs. Newer program versions may impose restrictions on the number of instances an application can be installed. A maintenance mode supports the repair or recovery of individual components of an installed application. Also included is a rollback mode, which allows you to return a system to the state it was in before installation. Update modes can be used when implementing new software releases, and the program allows for custom code through the use of an application programming interface (API).
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
