Description
InstallAnywhere 2020
InstallAnywhere makes it easy for developers to create professional installation software that performs the same – no matter what the platform. You’ll be able to create reliable installations for on-premises platforms like Windows, Linux, Apple, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, and IBM, and then deploy them physically, virtually or to the cloud (you can even package it up into a Docker container) all from a single project file.
Whether for standalone instances or integrated into your current systems, with InstallAnywhere, you’ll be able to adapt to industry changes quickly, get to market faster and deliver an engaging customer experience.
From a single project file and build environment, InstallAnywhere creates reliable installations for these on-premises platforms: Windows®, Linux®, Apple®, Solaris®, AIX, HP-UX and IBM®. Take existing and new software products to a virtual and cloud infrastructure, and create Docker containers—all from a single InstallAnywhere project.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The InstallAnywhere course provides you with in-depth knowledge of the installation terminology and installation process as part of using InstallAnywhere to design and setup cross-platform installations.
This course will first explain the basics of the installation environment and the creation, design, and implementation of your product installer. Afterwards, you will become familiar with the creation and testing of your release image. It also covers advanced topics such as debugging, console and silent installations (background installation), merge modules, and custom code editing.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
The course to InstallAnywhere is suitable for software developers who are responsible for the conversion of a completed software product in an installable package that can be provided to end customers. After completing the course, you can successfully use the InstallAnywhere products to create multiplatform installers.
The courses use a Cloud-based environment called ‘CloudShare’ onto which all the InstallAnywhere installation and configuration is made by TLUX on your behalf prior to the course. You will receive a log in to this environment a few days prior to the course.
Students should be familiar with the basics of the Windows operating system (especially editing files from the command line and in Windows Explorer). Some parts of the training require intermediate level Java programming skills and experience in using the Java SDK command-line tools.
COURSE CURRICULUM
The following course sections and topics will be covered in the class. If you have a specific area that you think might need extra attention, mention it to your instructor on the first day of class.
INTRODUCTION
This course provides the following knowledge:
- Create and organize your files and data in an installation project
- Make system changes using the InstallAnywhere features
- Customize the appearance of your installer
- Create release images through the user interface or command line
- Deploying your installer in UI, Console, or Silent modes (in the background)
- Extend InstallAnywhere with custom codes and windows
CREATE YOUR FIRST INSTALLER AND BASIC STRATEGIES FOR INSTALLER DEVELOPMENT
- Guidance and best practices for creating your first installer
- Installation planning
- Create a worksheet for installation planning
THE INSTALLANYWHERE ADVANCED DESIGNER
INTRODUCING THE ADVANCED DESIGNER
OVERVIEW OF INSTALLER TASKS
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON INSTALLER TASKS BY FORWARD-THINKING INSTALLATION DESIGN
BASIC CUSTOMISATION OF THE INSTALLER
- Customize the appearance of the installer
- Conditional logic with built-in rules
ORGANISATION OF THE INSTALLER
- Kits, functions and components
- Best practices for organizing the installer
- Add files and directories for installation
INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED ACTIONS AND WINDOWS
- Actions and limitations of the installer tasks
- Examples of the implementation of general system changes
CUSTOMIZATION OF THE UNINSTALLER
- Considerations with your un-installer
- Common un-installer mistakes
- Cleaning-up additional data over-and-above your InstallAnywhere installation
- Testing your un-installer
- Troubleshooting
IMPLEMENTATION OF MAINTENANCE MODE
- Rules and considerations around Maintenance Mode
- Common techniques for ensuring a well-formed Maintenance Mode
- Maintenance Mode troubleshooting
DEBUGGING INSTALLANYWHERE INSTALLERS
- Debugging strategy
- Common debugging mistakes
- Additional considerations, e.g – client/server data, end-user issues, multi-language issues
- Debugging tools and techniques
- Debugging troubleshooting
ADVANCED INSTALLER CONCEPTS
- Console mode
- Silent mode (background mode) and response files
- Uninstall
- Set options for the installation rollback
ADVANCED ORGANIZATIONAL CONCEPTS
- Introduction to merge modules, templates and DIMs
- Find existing installed components
INTRODUCTION TO CUSTOM CODE
- Create actions with custom code
- Working with variables
- Create rules with custom code
- Benefits of installer services
- Working with JNI
CUSTOM WINDOWS AND CONSOLES
- “Get user input – simple” and “Get user input – extended” window
- Custom code window
- Working with variables
- Layout Manager and Action Listener
LOCATE INSTALLANYWHERE INSTALLERS
- Locate resources, custom labels, and custom code
- Support for bidirectional text
- Best practices for localization