Inno Setup Compiler (formerly Inno Setup) 6.4.3

Overview

Inno Setup Compiler is a free installation compiler for windows applications that has been continually updated since 1997, and is designed to compete with the functionality of many paid install compilers. This software makes it easy to streamline the process of installing and setting up Windows utilities that do not have wizard-style setups.

Installation

Being that this program is made to simplify and expedite installations, it is not surprising that installing it is relatively easy and only takes a few minutes. System requirements are virtually nonexistent, as the software supports every known version of Windows (except for Windows NT 3.51, although Windows NT 4.0 is supported).

Interface

Although the user interface is slightly complex, it is important to note that this tool is intended to be a resource for developers, and that it is specifically designed to help programmers create user-friendly installation packages for end-users. With that said, the interface is certainly not self-explanatory, and there is a bit of procedural scripting required in creating your own installer packs.

Pros

• Offers support for the installation of 64-bit applications in 64-bit operating systems, with support for both titanium and x64 OS architectures

• Compatible with every version of Windows

• Helps you increase the popularity of your app by letting you turn painstaking installation processes into a convenient Windows 2000/XP wizard style interface experience that is more appealing to prospective downloaders

• Gives you the ability to create a single .EXE file they can be distributed online for easy installation of your application

• Offers support for customizable set of types (i.e. – full, custom, and minimal), which gives downloaders the ability to choose which components of the software they want to install

• Includes support for file compression

• Is capable of comparing file version info, register DLL and type libraries, and install fonts

• Supports multilingual installation processes

• Offers support for Unicode installs (which are ideal for operating systems Windows 2000/XP or later)

• Is part of an open-source project, and developers can easily obtain the source code to begin expanding functionality for their own use

• Available free of charge, even for commercial applications

• Supports digitally signed installers/uninstalls

• Offers the option to utilize a Pascal scripting engine to create advanced customizations of the appearance of install/uninstall menus

• Lets you create .INI and registry entries

• Supports automatic creation of shortcuts to anywhere, including desktop and start menu

• Lets you program install files to automatically run other programs before, during, and after the installation process

Cons

• May require a significant learning curve for amateur to intermediate developers, although professional developers should be able to use this tool with ease.

Alternatives

Notable alternatives to Inno Setup Compiler include NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System), Excelsior Installer, WiX, Izpack, and InstallShield.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy way to create a convenient installer package for your application, Inno Setup Compiler provides a trusted open-source solution that has been in development for 15 years.