Some help required for an open source project

I need to create some setup files (msi type) for a web application (open source). I don't have too much experience regarding proper setup projects, but I was able to manage the ASPX and code-behind setup.

However I am a bit stuck with the database bits. I would like to create the db in the setup process when I install the web application.

Any ideas on the subject or any resources or web site I may use?

 

3 Comments

  • I'd recommend using SMO for tasks like restoring or attaching a database to the server.
    http://www.sqldbatips.com/showarticle.asp?ID=40

    If you're going with that approach, you run the install on first run of the program or by shelling out at the end of the install. I prefer Inno Setup, which makes it very easy to run a program during the install. I'm sure MSI supports it, but it's probably less straightforward.

    Another option with ASP.NET applications is to run the database install on first run of the application. An advantage of that approach is that the install logic can process upgrades for future releases. DotNetNuke and SubText use that approach. You can look at the installation section of SubText here:
    http://www.sqldbatips.com/showarticle.asp?ID=40

  • I recommend checking out WiX.

  • +1 for WiX, if you are looking to do an MSI based installation. It may take a bit to wrap your head around the technology, but that's more a problem with MSI than the WiX toolset.

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