Using the right application packaging methods can not only streamline and speed up your process, but it can also help improve the user experience in the end as well. However, application packaging can be a difficult process, one that can sometimes bring its fair share of challenges. But there are some methods to try out, as you can see below.

Try to support command line switches for quicker, silent installations

It’s important to ensure that you can start creating a silent installation if possible. Using the command line can help with that. In doing so, you allow your users to only access the stuff they need to confirm, and the package installs in the background. 

Create a separate upgrade package to the new version

The upgrade package method is great because it’s easier to modify a package instead of sending a patch. Also, patch installations can fail. They can also be very difficult to administer, something you definitely want to avoid.

Make sure that you don’t need any online resources

Ideally, when you learn how to start automation for your application packaging, you also want to keep things offline. The reality is that not everyone has great internet speeds, or even internet access. Ensuring that the installer is 100% usable offline can make a huge difference.

Avoid bundling multiple MSI packages into a single one

That’s the thing, you always want to ensure that you have the necessary packages separately. Bundling might leads to unforeseen errors, something you always want to avoid.

Build a rollback system

In case errors appear during application packaging, you want to have a built-in rollback system. That way, any changes made to the target system will be rolled back, thus preventing any potential issues. A rollback custom action can be helpful, especially if you have deferred custom actions in the application packaging.

Store the application data in the Roaming AppData folder

The reason you want to do that is because that folder is synchronized between devices. That can be a very good solution when you create application packaging for enterprises. But in general, having that data synced is great, since it saves time and you don’t have to copy it over to all the other devices either.

Conduct user acceptance testing

Using virtual machines to perform user acceptance testing is a very good idea. It allows you to identify any possible errors in the application packaging. That makes much easier to solve those errors and remove them, not to mention you can save a significant amount of time too. Adequate testing in different environments is ideal, and it can help provide an excellent set of values as well.

One thing is certain, using the right application packaging tips can help speed up the process and prevent errors. It’s very important to always test your packaging and see if it works as expected. Undergoing numerous trials, along with a good trial and error is one of the best ways of achieving those goals, so use that to your advantage for the best results!