The Software Update Process...
from the Developer's Perspective

Another option is to release an incremental update, by redistributing only the files which have been modified since the original software release. Although this approach has the added security of requiring the software to be installed prior to the update, it still carries the inconvenience of distributing a large update package, as illustrated in the following example:

A sample Cookbook application includes an executable file, a manual and a recipe database. After discovering an issue that prevents the application to run on desktops with a display resolution higher than 1024x768, the developers have decided to issue an update addressing the problem. The update also includes the addition of 15 new recipes to the database.

If the developers choose to issue an incremental update, all files but the support files (which have not changed) will be included in the update. This will result in a 10MB update package, a high price to pay for a single bug fix and a minor addition to the application. Repackaging and issuing incremental updates are both inefficient methods of distributing software updates, and the cost of redistributing such update packages can be very expensive.

Next: Binary Patching

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Unparalleled ease of use
With FlashUpdate, there are no complicated installation scripts, no need to remember obscure syntax! Creating and managing software updates with FlashUpdate is a quick and painless process.

Update your software in minutes
FlashUpdate allows you to generate a full-blown software update in just a few minutes. Valuable wizards are available to automate much of the process of creating and distributing software updates.

File Wizard
The File Wizard compares the old version of your software to the new version and creates an update automatically.

Distribution Wizard
Deploy updates to your software effortlessly with the Distribution Wizard. Compile, distribute and publish your updates online with just a few mouse clicks!