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Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

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    Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

    I am very new to most development issues as a "hobbyist" developer.
    I have recently been developing a fairly basic desktop app for a friend and as I near the end of development and testing, I am wondering about how to set-it up for installation on a desktop. However, I may do more apps in the future and want to do this over and over.

    From what I have been able to find out so far, I believe that I will need to purchase V11 Run-time ( I have upgraded to V11 Developer).
    There is a process to convert (or deploy) the app with runtime and have my friend install it on his desktop. He does not need any Alpha Software, just the files that will be prepared and installed by runtime.

    1. Is the above summary correct or are there more details that I should know about?

    2. Is the process of deploying an App with Runtime simple or complex? On a scale of 1-10, how complex?

    3. Is there an alternative as I have read mentions of 3rd parties that do this. Is this a viable alternative for 1-2 copies/installs and/or what is the cost?

    4. Any recommendations?

    Thanks as always for your assistance.

    Bill W

    #2
    Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

    Anyone who uses your database/app will have to have the Runtime installed on their machine.

    The simplest method, involving no third party software, is to visit the user's location, install the Runtime, install your database, start the Runtime, open your database in Alpha, use the Tools menu, Create shortcut.

    If it is not possible to visit the location and the end user is computer competent you could send him the files necessary to complete the steps outlined.

    If it is not possible to visit the location and the end user is not computer competent you will need to obtain software to create an install file that handles those steps.
    There can be only one.

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

      For one or two copies? We use LogMeIn or Teamviewer to install the runtime and then just copy the app folder to the runtime location. I do include a shortcut to copy to the user's taskbar or desktop and delete the desktop shortcut the runtime puts on the desktop. That way the user opens the app directly.

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

        Thank you Stan
        Windows has a utility IExpress which I believe sets-up an exe file. Is this all that would be required to acton the runtime and A5 Set/App files.

        How complex is runtime - as easy to setup and work with as A5 or is the menu language complex?

        Thanks again

        Bill W

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

          I'm unfamiliar with IExpress.

          The Runtime is the same as the Developer version except the modification/design features are disabled.

          Features of IExpress Technology
          �Silent, hands-free installation of Internet Explorer
          Not sure how that's going to help you install anything else.
          There can be only one.

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

            v11 has an install maker. Go to Tools/Utilities/Create Install Package...
            Peter
            AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

            [email protected]
            https://www.alphabasesolutions.com


            Comment


              #7
              Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

              It is worth exploring Iexpress
              It guides one to creating an SED file that contains user messages, prompts and files to install. These are all packaged in an EXE.
              When executed places the files you included - in this example places these files into the locations specified
              Code:
              FILE0="BEACHTOP Dps.lnk"
              FILE1="a5V10_RuntimeSetup.exe"
              FILE2="Invoicing Bal to H PPP invcd.zip"
              [SourceFiles]
              SourceFiles0=C:\Users\Ray\Desktop\
              SourceFiles1=C:\Downloads\a5V10_RuntimeSetup\
              SourceFiles2=C:\drive_G\ac\ppp\
              File 1 is the shortcut, pre-created - I haven't looked at how to make it save to a universal user desktop.
              File 2 A5 Runtime setup
              File 3 is my application backup

              I havent gone further than that - you should be able to execute actions on these to unzip, execute etc.
              Lets see if any one else can build on this.

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

                The Install Maker is by far the easiest option IMHO.
                Jusr remember to check the boxes if you have any Grids or Bitmaps.
                See our Hybrid Option here;
                https://hybridapps.example-software.com/


                Apologies to anyone I haven't managed to upset yet.
                You are held in a queue and I will get to you soon.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

                  Thanks for the info. to date - it is very helpful. I have installed the setup.exe on another computer without any alpha products installed. All the files seem to be there - however, the only exe file that I see that would run the app is the Alpha exe. When it starts, the enter license screen appears.
                  My question is when the set-up file is provided to a 3rd party, do they use my run-time license or is there another license protocol?


                  Thanks

                  Bill W

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Deploying an App from Development in V11 to Runtime

                    You install your runtime license key at the time of the installation.

                    As part of your install procedure, put the license number into a text file called license.key and install that file in the runtime program folder along with the other A5 program files. Once it's there, you will not be prompted for a license number.
                    Finian

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