Create Setup file in VS 2013

[dimuthu]

Hi Mike,

This is just something out side Jiwa.

I did a custom program that uses Jiwa assemblies and need to create a Setup file to deploy it.

I think VS 2013 doesn't provides the built-in deployment package. When googled, I found one of the links for installer projects.

https://visualstudiogallery.msdn.micros ... bf6151054d

Do you reckon to install from above link. What do you use to create the setup file in VS 3013 ?

Regards
Dimuthu

[Scott.Pearce]

We have looked at a number of deployment packages over the years. Currently we use Advanced Installer v10.9.1 and are very happy with it.

[dimuthu]

Thanks Scott.

[Mike.Sheen]

The tale of package and deployment options in Visual Studio is quite a sordid one. I'd love to know the reasons behind the seemingly brain-dead and indecisive direction VS has had in relation to setup and deployment packages.

For quite a while we were at the mercy of the bundled/embedded installshield "lite or whatever they called it back in the day" to create setup and deployment packages in Visual Studio - Which was fine until you needed to something more advanced - like install a service or chain to another MSI or include a merge module - then you had to move to the paid versions of Installshield. From memory we once paid $3,500 or so for the edition of Installshield we needed.

Then VS2010 (or was it 2008?) finally introduced a new standard VS project type for setup and deployment - and it was pretty good, too.

Then they must have remembered whatever backroom deal they'd made with InstallShield, because in VS2012 it was gone and we were back to having "Installshield Limited Edition" being bundled with VS and the default and only project type for setup and deployment. Again - this is an ok solution until you need to do something a bit more advanced, then it's off to the paid upgrades to get your installer working.

[dimuthu]

Thanks Mike. Interesting story about the package and deployment.
I have been using VS 2008 , it got Setup & Development option. Start using VS 2013 recently and noticed that this option is not there any more. Anyway now i have enabled the Installshield Limited Edition in my VS 2013. I guess this will do the job for me ( just using Jiwa assemblies in my custom programs . Not going to deploy more advanced things ).

Regards
Dimuthu

[Mike.Sheen]

Anyway now i have enabled the Installshield Limited Edition in my VS 2013. I guess this will do the job for me ( just using Jiwa assemblies in my custom programs . Not going to deploy more advanced things ).

Yep - that'll be fine. If you do ever find the need to install services, or chain in other MSI packages or merge modules I'd do as Scott suggested and look into Advanced Installer - it's cheaper and WAY better designed and built than the Installshield bloatware - and their support via their forums is responsive and helpful.

[dimuthu]

Thanks Mike.