In windows, most software would need an installing before usage yet some can be opened directly. For example, Blender is a 3D software that can be downloaded in two forms: one that can be installed and the other in “portable” form that can be directly used even when it’s inside a flashdisk. How can this be so? Why not all software require installation or not?
In: Technology
Most programs require generic libraries (additional files that provide functionality) that need to be integrated in the operating system. In a lot of cases, those libraries already exist on the computer.
However, it’s possible that a program might require a version that’s high enough and maybe the one already existing on the computer is not up to date. So overwriting that library is required, which is what the installer does. But sometimes it might be even more complex than simply overwriting a file. Maybe the new version needs to be declared in the operating system’s registry.
Some portable programs come with their own generic libraries. But then you might sometimes encounter conflicts due to the multiple versions existing on the computer (this is usually solved by referencing the file specifically).
Then there’s the additional functionality that was mentioned by the others, such as associating the files with the program.
Overall, installers provide additional functionality.
However, if you’re a savvy enough user, you can just get that functionality done by yourself (such as file associations).
In blender’s case, it was designed to be portable from the get-go. But other programs require third party modifications to make them portable, as they weren’t even designed with that in mind.
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