Zero Install is an innovative, decentralized cross-platform software installation system released under the LGPL. This powerful tool enables software developers to directly publish their applications from their own websites, while offering features that are typically found in centralized distribution repositories, such as shared libraries, automatic updates, and digital signatures. Designed to complement the existing operating system’s package management, Zero Install ensures that its packages do not interfere with those provided by the distribution.
Zero Install also boasts some unique functionalities that are not commonly available in traditional package managers. For instance, while it primarily shares libraries whenever feasible, it can simultaneously install multiple versions of a package when conflicts arise. This system guarantees a side-effect-free installation process, as each package is extracted into its own dedicated directory without altering shared directories. Consequently, it is particularly well-suited for sandboxing technologies and virtualization environments. Additionally, the XML file that outlines the program’s dependencies can be stored in a source code repository, facilitating comprehensive dependency management for developer versions that are not yet released. For example, a user can clone a Git repository, build and test the program, and automatically retrieve newer library versions as needed—all without impacting the library versions installed by their distribution, which will continue to be utilized for other applications.
Zero Install 2.25.12 Changelog:
- Enhanced error messages for inaccessible or invalid paths.
- Automatically remove damaged implementations during ‘0install store audit –batch’.
- Register ‘0install integrate’ as a “Modify”command within the Windows uninstall registry key.
- Introduced configuration option ‘sync_server_kerberos’.
- Updated SharpCompress to version 0.38.0.
- Updated translations for better user experience.
Library Mode Improvements:
- Enable self-cleanup on ‘0install remove-all’, along with ‘0install remove’.
- Automatically apply new capabilities during ‘0install integrate –batch’.
- Perform an automatic store audit for missing files on ‘0install run in-process’.
- Conduct an automatic store audit when executing ‘0install-win integrate’ for already existing applications.
Download: Zero Install 2.25.12 | 4.2 MB (Open Source).
View: Zero Install Website | Zero Install Features | Apps
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