Configuring and deploying a web application
I have a web application that I like to distribute and install using Apache web server (xampp), SQL Server Express.
I am really new to setting up and deploying an application. And I'm just starting to read on windows installer, wix, innosetup, which requires a steep learning curve. Before diving further, I'm not sure if it can achieve what I need, so my questions are.
Is it possible and the simplest tool to create a setup file that installs in the xampp chain, sql server plus some apache host config, php extension? Everything is packaged in one installation package.
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I created an installer with inno, Wix and Burn. So I will give you a quick comparison.
Wix: A very steep learning curve. Difficult if you need something other than installing a copy of the file. You will also need to learn how to use Heat.exe to generate some of your installation from folders. If you must have MSI installers this is the way to go, but difficult.
Recording: Much easier than Wix, but actually a way to bundle MSI installers.
Inno: It's much easier to work. Free tools and wizards make your work easier. Installation logic can be encoded in pascal rather than convoluted custom actions in Wix. Highly recommended. Only the downside is the exe, not the msi.
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Welcome to the world of Windows Installer.
First, you can spend your time on the Wix and windows installer. Windows Installer is like an infrastructure that provides all of the infrastructure that allows developers to install their applications using .msi packages on the Windows platform.
Wix is an editor that can be used to create .msi packages that use a Windows Installer install to install apps. There are many editors to install on the market today. Examples are installshield, installanywhere, advanced installer, etc. InnoSetup is also one of those. I can assure you that Wix is the industry standard and offers much more functionality and flexibility than anything else. However, to use wix effectively, you need a good understanding of Windows setup.
So, Windows Installer and Wix are all you need to help with your requirements.
Yes very. Wix is sophisticated enough to meet all your needs. Wix has a bootstrapper called Burn that can help you achieve what you want.
Hope it helps
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Since you mentioned Advanced Installer, this is how you can install the PHP website or install SQL Express .
As Kiran noted, this is very simple to use than Wix, but it still gives you a lot of options to customize your installer. However, you need to purchase a license after the trial expires (and you are satisfied with the results).
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Is it possible and the simplest tool to create a setup file that installs in the xampp chain, sql server plus some apache host config, php extension? Everything is packaged in one installation package.
Yes it is possible.
I am using InnoSetup for almost the same use case you described in your question:
packing a server stack with Nginx, PHP, additional PHP extensions, configuration and additional components. As you can see, only the components are different.
If you need some inspiration on how to implement such an InnoSetup script, feel free to take a look at the InnoSetup script files for WPN-XM server stack installers on Github:
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