Debreate vs InstallShield

Struggling to choose between Debreate and InstallShield? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Debreate is a Development solution with tags like deb, debian, packaging, automation, linux.

It boasts features such as Graphical user interface for creating Debian packages, Automation tools to simplify building .deb packages, Customizable build settings and control files, Built-in lintian integration to check for packaging policy compliance, Supports multiple architectures like i386, amd64, armhf etc., Allows adding custom scripts, icons and desktop files, Can build binary packages from existing source code, Generates Debian changelog based on Git repository and pros including Easy to use GUI compared to manually editing debian/ files, Automates most of the repetitive packaging tasks, Integrates well with GNOME/GTK based projects, Free and open source software.

On the other hand, InstallShield is a Development product tagged with setup, installer, deployment, packaging.

Its standout features include Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux, Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers, Wizard-driven interface, Multiple languages support, Custom actions and logic, Version checking capabilities, Integration with build tools, Virtualization support, Patching capabilities, Rollback functionality, Administrative installs, and it shines with pros like Wide platform and installer format support, Intuitive visual interface, Powerful customization options, Robust patching and upgrading features, Integration with popular build tools, Good technical support.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Debreate

Debreate

Debreate is a free and open source GNOME/GTK based Linux software designed to help developers easily create Debian packages. It provides a graphical user interface and automation tools to simplify building deb packages.

Categories:
deb debian packaging automation linux

Debreate Features

  1. Graphical user interface for creating Debian packages
  2. Automation tools to simplify building .deb packages
  3. Customizable build settings and control files
  4. Built-in lintian integration to check for packaging policy compliance
  5. Supports multiple architectures like i386, amd64, armhf etc.
  6. Allows adding custom scripts, icons and desktop files
  7. Can build binary packages from existing source code
  8. Generates Debian changelog based on Git repository

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Easy to use GUI compared to manually editing debian/ files

Automates most of the repetitive packaging tasks

Integrates well with GNOME/GTK based projects

Free and open source software

Cons

Limited to building Debian packages only

Not many advanced customization options

Requires learning Debian packaging system

Not updated frequently


InstallShield

InstallShield

InstallShield is a software tool used to create installers or setup packages for distributing software to end users. It simplifies the complex process of making installers for Windows and other platforms.

Categories:
setup installer deployment packaging

InstallShield Features

  1. Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux
  2. Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers
  3. Wizard-driven interface
  4. Multiple languages support
  5. Custom actions and logic
  6. Version checking capabilities
  7. Integration with build tools
  8. Virtualization support
  9. Patching capabilities
  10. Rollback functionality
  11. Administrative installs

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Wide platform and installer format support

Intuitive visual interface

Powerful customization options

Robust patching and upgrading features

Integration with popular build tools

Good technical support

Cons

Steep learning curve

Complex pricing model

Limited trial version

Can be overkill for simple installers