This is something I’ve always wondered. Whevenever I install apps on my Mac it has just been a simple drag to the Application folder.
With Windows however, it’s always a series of steps that an installer has to do to make the application run.
Wonder why this is so. What is exactly happening when I’m installing something on a Windows vs a Mac. Windows just makes installation seem like a complicated process
In: Technology
macOS has the concept of a bundle. A bundle is a special folder, with the contents organized in a special way. When macOS shows a bundle it knows where to find the icon in the bundle, when you double click on it, instead of opening the folder, it knows to run a program in the bundle. So for simple applications, you can just drag the app bundle to the applications folder and it’ll all work.
Windows applications tend to have installers because there are more steps. The application needs to be copied to the “c:program files” folder, an icon needs to be created on the start menu, file associations need to be setup. There is no reason an installer needs to do this, it could be left up to the user.
It should be pointed out that many maOS do use installers. If they are multiple parts, or need background services started, then they may use an installer.
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