How to create a web installer using LZMA compression

What Is a Web Installer?

A web installer is a tool for installing software directly from the internet. Unlike traditional installers, it's a small executable file that fetches necessary files from the web in real-time, reducing the initial download size. This means it requires less bandwidth and storage space.

Web installers ensure you get the latest software version, offer customization options during installation, and simplify distribution for developers. They're commonly used for software like web browsers and productivity suites. In essence, they're a lightweight, efficient way to install software hassle-free.

What Is LZMA Compression?

LZMA stands for Lempel-Ziv-Markov chain Algorithm and is a highly efficient data compression algorithm known for its ability to achieve significant compression ratios while maintaining data integrity. Developed by Igor Pavlov, LZMA is widely used in various applications, including file archiving, software distribution, and data storage.

It operates on a sophisticated dictionary-based compression model, ingeniously replacing redundant data patterns with concise references to entries within its algorithmic lexicon. This transformative approach empowers LZMA to elegantly condense file sizes, ensuring your data occupies minimal space without sacrificing any vital information.

Overall, LZMA compression offers a balance of high compression ratios and fast decompression speeds, making it suitable for a wide range of applications where minimizing file size is essential. It is commonly utilized in popular file compression utilities like 7-Zip, WinRAR, and others, as well as in various software distribution platforms.

You can learn more about LZMA compression on the wiki.

Creating a Web Installer with LZMA Compression

Now that we've grasped the concepts of web installers and LZMA compression, let's explore how to apply these principles and build our web installer.

Package Definition: Files, Registry, and Other Components

1. In Advanced Installer, go to the Files & Folders page and start by adding your application resources.

2. Next, add any necessary registries through the Registry page.

3. Customize your installer's interface by selecting from Advanced Installer's array of modern themes.

For additional package configurations, check out our extensive guide on how to create a custom installer package.

Defining the Web Installer Build

Now that your files, registries, and other components are configured, it is time to define your web installer build.

Navigate to Package Definition -> Builds page from the left pane. There, select Web Installer.

Under the Archive section, choose “Archive installation using LZMA compression”.

Advanced Installer offers the option to choose the compression mode: Store, LZMA, or LZMA2, with the latter being the most recent. You can also select from five predefined compression levels or specify custom parameters, including dictionary and word size.

Dictionary size directly impacts the RAM usage for compression and decompression. Also, compression strongly depends on the number of CPU cores on the machine.

Additionally, you have the option to include a security layer by encrypting your LZMA archive. Simply tick the “Encrypt archive” option and specify the password.

Now, modify the LZMA’s URL with the web location where you plan to store the LZMA archive of the installer file, including the name of the .lzma file.

Finally, build the project. Don’t forget to rename and upload the .lzma file to the mentioned URL location you defined earlier.

That’s it! You can now distribute your small exe web installer. When triggered, it will gather all the necessary installation files from the web.

Conclusion

By adopting LZMA compression for your web installer via Advanced Installer, you set out on a path toward efficient software distribution.

This method not only optimizes download sizes but also enhances security and user experience by offering the latest versions and customizable installations.

Whether for individual developers or enterprises, leveraging LZMA compression presents a compelling case for streamlined software deployment.