I am looking for a way to create download-and-install style programs for Linux. To clarity what I mean by "download & install", I mean that the installation process proceeds like this:
- User downloads graphical installer (NOT a deb, rpm, etc. file... I'm talking about an actual ELF executable) from website
- User runs graphical installer (preferably by double-clicking it) as a regular user (not as root) - installer puts program & its dependencies (included with the installer) in a nice place in the home directory and adds things to the desktop environment menus to make running easier
- User can now run the program from the desktop environment menus
- Uninstaller is installed alongside the program, which can be run at any time
This style of download & install is very similar to the method the majority of traditional personal computer users (in contrast to mobile PC users which are accustomed to app-stores) are used to and I wish to distribute any programs I make using such a method.Plus I just really like this method of software distribution. It just feels right.
I predominantly use C++ and FLTK for Linux programs.
I am interested in all of the different options available for replicating this experience, so feel free to mention different methods of "getting there"
Assume that a program has already been created and that it needs to be "retro-fitted" into this installation style
./configure; make dep; make; make local-install
?