Re:How Should Mac Apps Be Distributed?
by bobius on Friday September 18, 2009 @12:36AM
(#829658)
On launch, your application can check to see what directory it's in. If the directory is mounted as the same name as the .dmg image you shipped, then you could prompt the user. "You appear to be running this application from a disk image. This will make the application run slower. You should copy the application to your Application Folder. Do you want to move it there now automatically Y/N/don't show this again." or whatever.
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Let's combine this with the zip file approach. Your app is distributed as a zip file containing only the app folder. Safari unzips it automatically, then the user double-clicks your app icon. Your app notices it's in the "Downloads" directory and asks "Would you like to install me to the Applications folder?" If so, the move is done visually by opening two finder windows and literally moving the app icon as if it was being dragged. Afterward the Applications folder remains open displaying the app icon in case the user wants to drag it to the dock.
Re:How Should Mac Apps Be Distributed?
by pwmanagerdied on Friday September 18, 2009 @01:34AM
(#829719)
Some, I think Adium is one, already do this. It's really nice, very use-friendly.