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How do we create URL's to download apps...

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 6:57 pm
by HwyStar
I am windows programmer. Enough said there...

I created a simple app and I want to host this app on my web pages for people to download for free.
Notes:
Apps have their directory structures of App folder, Contents, MacOS with app in it, Resources, and info.plist... when they are created from PB.

Questions:
1) Should I zip the entire directory structure down into a file and host the link to the file for Mac users to explode on their machines?
2) I don't really want to create an install program. I just want the users to download the app anywhere they want it to reside and run it. It does not require any install parameters and is a self contained app. Do I really need an install program?
3) If zipping the directory down into a zip file is Ok then can I use windows to zip the structure or do I need to use a Mac zip program?

Thanks in advance Macsters!

Re: How do we create URL's to download apps...

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 8:28 pm
by WilliamL
I've just zipped the app (app contains contents, etc.) and it's worked fine. I've downloaded them from my web page and they run fine.

I don't know if zips made on windows work tho.

Send me your link and I'll try it. :)

Re: How do we create URL's to download apps...

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 9:54 pm
by HwyStar
I zipped the app down on my windows computer and uploaded it to our web server. I then came home and downloaded it and all worked well on my Mac Pro.

Here is the link: http://www.hdcusa.net/hwystar/index.html. Go to the software page and download the Mac OSX version.

It's not done yet but I wanted to try the process first.

Thanks William!

Re: How do we create URL's to download apps...

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 10:17 pm
by WilliamL
HwyStar,

I downloaded, unzipped the file and it was fine.

I noticed the window needs to be moved down below the Menu bar (down 22 px or center the window) and that the 'Pastel.prefs' was put on the root directory when the app was run. Prefs are usually put in the 'Users/myaccount/Library/Preferences/' (GetHomeDirectory()+"Library/Preferences/") folder otherwise it may be thrown away since it is not expected to be seen there.

Looks like your 'good to go'. :)

Re: How do we create URL's to download apps...

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 12:22 am
by HwyStar
I noticed the window needs to be moved down below the Menu bar (down 22 px or center the window) and that the 'Pastel.prefs' was put on the root directory when the app was run. Prefs are usually put in the 'Users/myaccount/Library/Preferences/' (GetHomeDirectory()+"Library/Preferences/") folder otherwise it may be thrown away since it is not expected to be seen there.
Good Eye Man! I will fix the window position and the prefs path. I have no idea what I am doing on my Mac, let alone programming the damn thing! Thanks for testing it! The whole desktop thing and file structures with apps on Macs confuses me so much since I am so "windowized".

Best Regards,

Robert