Zero-install

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Zero-install is a term used to describe running an software application without going through formal process of installation and does not require modifications of the operating system. [1] Zero-install can be achieved through multiple means:

Contents

The Linux distribution GoboLinux takes a similar approach (each applications gets its own directory structure), but still introduces the side-effects of the traditional Linux installation to maintain the backward compatibility with the standard Linux directory layout. Isolation of the OS from any changes required by the application can also be achieved through the application virtualization tools, like VMware ThinApp, Microsoft App-V, InstallFree Bridge. [3]

Zero Install

Zero Install
Developer(s) Thomas Leonard
Stable release
2.17 [4] / May 4, 2020;4 years ago (2020-05-04)
Repository
Written in OCaml
Operating system Linux, Unix, macOS, Windows
Type Package manager
License LGPLv2.1
Website 0install.net

Zero Install (0install) is a multi-platform (Windows, Linux, Mac OS X) system for running applications that allows publishing applications in a decentralized way (without using central repositories, directly on the project websites). Unlike the xcopy mechanism, 0install retains the advantages of repositories: shared libraries, automatic updates, validation of digital signatures. [5]

Zero Install uses the metadata (sometimes called the feed format) written in XML. Like with xcopy deployment, each application gets its own directory and there are no side effects inflicted upon the OS, so no administrative rights are needed and different versions of the same application can be run side-by-side without special modifications. [5]

Other uses of the term

Other uses of the term "zero install" exist which are unrelated to a specific software project.

PaperCut software describes a "zero install strategy" for Windows networks, which involves configuring multiple terminals via methods such as a group policy, to run the client executable directly off a single share. This enables automatic updates for workstations in line with the server and avoids multiple, separate installation processes. [6]

The Yarn package manager describes a zero-install as a philosophy that seeks to limit failures by limiting the usage of Yarn commands and therefore limiting the number of opportunities for things to go wrong. [7]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 Eicher 2011, p. 5.
  2. ↑ Oliveira & Martín-Rodríguez 2006, p. 6.
  3. ↑ Eicher 2011, p. 11.
  4. ↑ "Releases · 0install/0install". GitHub .
  5. 1 2 Eicher 2011, p. 8.
  6. ↑ "Install the User Client on Windows". PaperCut. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
  7. ↑ "Zero-Installs". yarnpkg.com. Retrieved 2022-09-14.

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