Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

[wolf]

Hello this is my first time posting on the forum and I am wondering if someone can help me please.

My name is Joe and I am from Melbourne, Australia. I am also a first time user of Alpha 5 making the purchase this week

I just have some questions please.

1. What can I do with the Alpha Runtime software that I can't do with the developer software?

2. If I create a setup file using a third party installer which files and folders do I need to install on a new users PC for the database to run?

3. I am presuming the Alpha Runtime files I need are those found in the folder - A5V10Runtime and all these need to be installed as the same application folder. Can someone clarify this for me please?

4. If I sell my database application to a customer and they already have a database system using Alpha 5 made by someone else will there be a clash of runtimes?

Would appreciate it if you can assist me please.

Thank You

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Hi Wolf,

Welcome to the world of Alpha.

First I suggest you read the documentation that came with the Runtime, you will find most of the aswers to your questions there.

Item 1. In simple terms, the end user cant edit any part of the application with Runtime.

Item 2. You dont need third party software to install a Runtime application. Others here will make suggestions as to what third party software they prefer.

Item 3. When you create an Installer from Alpha, all the required files are collected for you. It might be necessary to add in images if they are part of the application.

Item 4. This all depends how you instruct your application to be loaded. The Runtime is the engine, so it should not hurt if a second copy is installed. Your application will be in a separate folder. Providing that it is not the same name as the folder already on your customers machine there would not be an issue. The chances of your customers already having an Alpha app already loaded are pretty remote, but it can happen.

Hope this helps, but do read the documentation as there are some other good ideas there too.

[wolf]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Hi Keith,

Thanks for the reply. To be honest I have read the documentation already but it has left me with some questions.

If I do use the Alpha installer will the installer setup the Alpha 5 Runtime files on the customers computer only or will these be setup where the runtime file is viewable in its own folder under the start menu under the program folders along with a separate folder for the program?

I am asking this because I want to make an application with a clean install where it creates only one folder under the start menu where it shows the application file I have made only.

Any other input would be appreciated.

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Hi Wolf,

Have some practice runs first. Nobody gets it right first time. That way you can get it to do what you want.

[Bob Whitaker]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Hi Wolf,
With A5 applications it is good practice to design the system so that the application is in a separate folder to the runtime files and that this application folder is NOT installed in the programmes folder. In other words you should end up with

C:\Program Files\A5V10 Runtime
C:\"Application"

Of course once the runtime is installed on your clients machine you can deploy any number of applications each in its own folder.

To summarise the differences between the developer version and the runtime version :-

Developer : You can design and amend and indeed run your application but only on the machine it is installed on.
Runtime : You can distribute and install the runtime on an unlimited number of client machines but it cannot be used to design or amend applications.

Hope this helps - I know from experience that when that "lightbulb" moment occurs you will be glad you went down the Alpha route.

Bob

[Bob Whitaker]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

What I should have added is that when the runtime is installed is it should tell the registry to associate files with an .adb extension with the runtime exe and as such your desktop / start menu only needs an entry pointing to your applications adb file.
Bob

[Clunes]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

The runtime install app will do a number of things in one package,

1. Install runtime
2. Install datafiles
3. Register all components (There are about 5 crtical ones, if you use a third party installer)
4. Install the pdf drivers
5. Create a shortcut with a splash screen etc
6. Install any additional files like images and banners etc. Plus you can put a license key in the runtime directory that will remove user the need to enter anything at statup

The install maker is designed for you to package and pass on to a user for their install. the runtime install does registration and pdf as well

Recommend you do a forum search as there is alot of posts on theis topic

[wolf]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Thanks guys for the replies.

Its appreciated.

Bob I know what you mean. I have been searching for an application where I can design and create a database and add impressive reports under the 1 hood.

Until know I have been holding back. Previously I had used Access and Visual Studio .net with Crystal Reporting to do such a task but was looking for the 1 solution where I can
do it all without too much drama.

I have been keeping an eye on Alpha 5 for a couple of years to see its improvements and I think v10.5 is on par with what I need.

Once I understand Alpha 5 and I can combine the knowledge and experience of VB things should get easy.

The best way in learning for myself is trial and error.

Will do a new XP install and have a play in creating a setup file and see where I do go right or wrong I suppose.

If anyone else is reading and you have the answer for the question below could you please post an answer.

Question. If I do use the Alpha Developer installer will the installer setup the Alpha 5 Runtime files on the customers computer only or will these be setup where the runtime file is viewable in its own folder under the start menu under the program folders along with a separate folder for the program?

In short after the installation is done I want to know if the customer knows if the Alpha Runtime file has been installed by seeing it in the start menu in the program folder or if its installed only in the folder C:\Program Files\A5V10 Runtime.

Thanks for your help guys.

Regards

Joe

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Hi Joe,

Just to confirm, Mark and Bob have given you the best answer.

will these be setup where the runtime file is viewable in its own folder under the start menu under the program folders along with a separate folder for the program?

Yes!!!

[wolf]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Thanks Keith.

Hi Joe,

Just to confirm, Mark and Bob have given you the best answer. Yes!!!

Is there a way of not adding a folder with the Alpha Runtime program in the start menu under along with the other installed programs so it runs silently in the background once the application runs?

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Hi Joe,

Not quite sure what your concern is. Your application will not run on your customers machine without the Runtime being installed too.

There is something bothering you about where the Runtime is installed, maybe we can help, if you were to elucidate your fears.

[wolf]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

What my concern is having the Alpha runtime being visible when you click on the start button (on XP for example) browse to all programs and you see the folder Alpha Five V10 Runtime folder.

I agree it needs to be installed in the users PC but logic tells me the customer does not need to see this installation by seeing the new folder added as per above.'

When i install a program I want the customer only to see the application folder when they click on start, browse all programs etc.


Thanks Again Keith.

Joe

[Clunes]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Joe,

You can choose to place the runtime in its own install folder or you can put it in the same folder as the files (application folder)you distribute. I choose to put it in its native folder apart form the data files because:

1. easier to manage updates
2. Allows you open up multiple db you create for your customer
3. better for trouble shooting when there are multiple Dbs
4. Essential if you wish to network the DB

Installing with the DB files (application folder) does hide the fact that runtime is installed but can create a headache for the points above.

If a user can see it from the start menu they still cannot do anything to development or modify the files. They would be able to purchase use DB from someone else. I don't see that as a big issue as the someone else was likely to have the runtime as well.

Another thing to learn about is the startup.control file. This controls the number of open users you would like see your DB at any one time.

This topic gets talked about so much on this forum, I am surprised Alpha have not made one of their great help movies

[DaveM]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

Always installed runtime with the application files in a single folder. Now I install runtime in c:\foldername and app files in a folder underneath that. as in c:\foldername\racecar. It is still pretty simple that way.

You DO NOT have to run the runtime install on a system. Put your files where you want them. You will have to run the regitration bat files. AND go. I also insert the right registry settings. OOPS-I also make my own exe to run the renamed alpha.exe and use astrum installer. This can be done with the runtime installer with a little extra work.

Run a search and you should see MANY threads on this as Mark said.

[wolf]

Re: Basic Info Needed for Creating a Setup File with Alpha Runtime

I am overwhelmed with the replies.

Thank you for your help.

Joe