MakeMSI vs Squirrel.Windows

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs. Compare features, pricing, pros & cons, and make an informed decision.

MakeMSI icon
MakeMSI
Squirrel.Windows icon
Squirrel.Windows

Expert Analysis & Comparison

Struggling to choose between MakeMSI and Squirrel.Windows? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

MakeMSI is a Development solution with tags like msi, installer, packaging, deployment.

It boasts features such as Graphical user interface for creating MSI packages, Supports multiple languages and localized installers, Can bundle files, shortcuts, registry entries etc into installer, Integrates with WiX toolset for advanced MSI creation, Open source and free to use and pros including Easy to use GUI, no need to edit XML/scripts, Good for basic to intermediate MSI creation, Free and open source, Active development and community support.

On the other hand, Squirrel.Windows is a Development product tagged with opensource, autoupdate, windows, desktop, github, azure-devops.

Its standout features include Allows developers to publish desktop apps with auto-updates, Integrates with GitHub and Azure DevOps for continuous deployment, Open-source framework for installing and updating Windows desktop apps, Supports delta updates to reduce bandwidth usage, Can be used with .NET and non-.NET apps, and it shines with pros like Easy to implement auto-updates, Seamless CI/CD integration, Open-source and free, Good documentation and community support, Lightweight and fast compared to alternatives.

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.

Why Compare MakeMSI and Squirrel.Windows?

When evaluating MakeMSI versus Squirrel.Windows, both solutions serve different needs within the development ecosystem. This comparison helps determine which solution aligns with your specific requirements and technical approach.

Market Position & Industry Recognition

MakeMSI and Squirrel.Windows have established themselves in the development market. Key areas include msi, installer, packaging.

Technical Architecture & Implementation

The architectural differences between MakeMSI and Squirrel.Windows significantly impact implementation and maintenance approaches. Related technologies include msi, installer, packaging, deployment.

Integration & Ecosystem

Both solutions integrate with various tools and platforms. Common integration points include msi, installer and opensource, autoupdate.

Decision Framework

Consider your technical requirements, team expertise, and integration needs when choosing between MakeMSI and Squirrel.Windows. You might also explore msi, installer, packaging for alternative approaches.

Feature MakeMSI Squirrel.Windows
Overall Score N/A N/A
Primary Category Development Development
Target Users Developers, QA Engineers QA Teams, Non-technical Users
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud-based, SaaS
Learning Curve Moderate to Steep Easy to Moderate

Product Overview

MakeMSI
MakeMSI

Description: MakeMSI is an open-source tool for creating MSI installation packages for Windows desktop applications. It provides a GUI for configuring MSI settings without needing to edit scripts or XML code.

Type: Open Source Test Automation Framework

Founded: 2011

Primary Use: Mobile app testing automation

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows

Description: Squirrel.Windows is an open-source installation and update framework for Windows desktop apps, allowing developers to publish their apps with auto updates out of the box. It integrates seamlessly with GitHub and Azure DevOps for continuous deployment.

Type: Cloud-based Test Automation Platform

Founded: 2015

Primary Use: Web, mobile, and API testing

Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API

Key Features Comparison

MakeMSI
MakeMSI Features
  • Graphical user interface for creating MSI packages
  • Supports multiple languages and localized installers
  • Can bundle files, shortcuts, registry entries etc into installer
  • Integrates with WiX toolset for advanced MSI creation
  • Open source and free to use
Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows Features
  • Allows developers to publish desktop apps with auto-updates
  • Integrates with GitHub and Azure DevOps for continuous deployment
  • Open-source framework for installing and updating Windows desktop apps
  • Supports delta updates to reduce bandwidth usage
  • Can be used with .NET and non-.NET apps

Pros & Cons Analysis

MakeMSI
MakeMSI
Pros
  • Easy to use GUI, no need to edit XML/scripts
  • Good for basic to intermediate MSI creation
  • Free and open source
  • Active development and community support
Cons
  • Limited to MSI installers only
  • Less flexible than WiX for complex installs
  • Lacks some advanced MSI features
  • Documentation could be improved
Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
Pros
  • Easy to implement auto-updates
  • Seamless CI/CD integration
  • Open-source and free
  • Good documentation and community support
  • Lightweight and fast compared to alternatives
Cons
  • Limited to Windows desktop apps
  • Less flexible than building own update system
  • Requires hosting your own update server or using 3rd party service
  • Not as full-featured as commercial solutions

Pricing Comparison

MakeMSI
MakeMSI
  • Open Source
  • Free
Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
  • Open Source

Get More Information

MakeMSI
MakeMSI
MakeMSI
Learn More About MakeMSI
Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
Learn More About Squirrel.Windows

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