StableUpdate

Infobox Software
name = StableUpdate


caption = StableUpdate
developer = multiple
latest_release_version = 1.0.5
latest_release_date = August 1, 2005
operating_system = Platform independent
genre = Autoupdate utility
license = LGPL
website = http://stableupdate.sourceforge.net

StableUpdate is a cross platform library for automatic update of the installed applications on the client side. It supports the automated creation, detection, downloading, installation and removing of the service packs [http://ma.gnolia.com/people/Elifarley/bookmarks/qicojixi] .

Features

StableUpdate offers strict version control, upgrading between the two defined version numbers only and supports the existence of the multiple versions between the numerous clients. Single files are updated as a unit, but for the .jar and .zip archives only the changed part need to be transferred. All changes for the certain update are transferred in a single packed archive. The updates are generated comparing the old and updated installations on the developer side with the provided update generator. If the user notices that the updated software actually works worse, she can also uninstall the update, also in a user friendly way.

This tool supports mirrors, storing the bulk update data in multiple servers that may change location over time and only needs to reach the .xml configuration file which must be available in one of the several preconfigured web locations. This file contains the checksums for the update files that are verified on the client side, increasing security.

StableUpdate displays release notes for each update and, if needed, provides the mini announcement desk.

Server and client

On the client side, the update session is activated by calling the agreed procedure in the linked library (usually after the user selects update action from menu). The activated module interacts with the user with its built-in GUI frames.

The server side requirements are reduced to minimum, just checking and downloading all needed files via http.

The preparation of the new updates is also comparatively user friendly, including the generation of the new configuration file that must be uploaded to the list of expected locations.

History

The project was started in 2004 and it is now continued by the second maintainer. It is now used as an update module in various areas, from experimental research software to pharmacy databases. It really needs attention to configure, but, as one of its users says, "Once it worked though, it seemed to work really well." [http://skeleton-danse.blogspot.com/2006/05/automatic-updates-using-stableupdate.html] .

See also

* JUpdater