PackageBuilder
is a development tool that allows developers to build packages that
users can install with SoftwareValet.
If you have developed a more complex application, the .pkg format
lets you ensure that settings files and libraries are placed in
the right locations during application installation. Using the .pkg
installation procedure under Zeta, lets the user uninstall the application
and all of it's files at any given time with the Uninstaller.
Developers can insert customized splash screens, simply by choosing
Installation -> Splash Screen. A drag &
Drop will then appear that lets you add the image you want as a
splash screen. Package Builder will keep track of the location of
the files.
In the Installation Settings the first thing you can enable
is Create Install Folder and give it a propriate name.
This will become the folder /boot/apps/<Install Folder>.
You can enable Display Folder Selection Menu which lets
the user navigate to the folder where he/she wants to install the
application file (documentation and more). PackageBuilder lets you
choose to add an Install Description or Display Text
at Installer Open (well you can actually do both!).

In the Package Settings you can enter information that
will be displayed the user from within SoftwareValet:
Package Name, Version, Developer, Release
Date (set automatically by the system) and Software Type.
This information is important as it makes it easier for the user
to keep track of what version of the software that is installed.
From the Items menu you can Add files... (one
or more), Add Folders... (one or more, with all
the files they contain), Add Patch... and Add Shell
Script... . From this menu you can also add New Folder
(used to create subfolder in the installation folder) or Rename
Item.
When you have added all the files and their locations after installation,
go back again to the Installation menu and choose Build
-> SoftwareValet Package... or Self-Extracting Installer...
.
PackageBuilder was developed by StarCode Software, Inc. A company
founded by Carlin Wiegner and Michael Klingbeil in 1996 to create
new tools for software distribution and management. In addition
to running the BeDepot Internet software mall, StarCode Software
also built the two products: Package Builder and Software Valet.
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