Notify user of software update

[SRSDS]

This is probably not the right forum. Please redirect me if it isn't.

Does anyone have any suggestions about advising users of application updates?

And methods of updating it?

Every time I have one I need to send an email asking that they close AutoCAD and replace the .dll file.

Seems a little antiquated and hoping someone might have a better method.

[Ed__Jobe · Accepted solution]

I have a system that I wrote before they ever came up with bundle technology but it works for me. It's 3 parts. First I have an sql db that records the update version. I have a startup dll that checks for a new update. If there is one, then I prompt the user to shut down AutoCAD and I run another exe that copies the necessary files from a network location to their local pc. The exe takes command line arguments for the necessary files to copy. The db tracks what pc was used, and allows for users to log into different pc's, like a laptop and desktop. There might be a better way. That's just how I got started. I was asking the same question you did and devised my own solution.

To push an update, I just copy the files to the network location and change the rev date in the db.

[SRSDS]

Yikes. That's what I need but sounds like a bit to learn.

Don't know the first thing about sql databases, which is your first step.

I'm not currently using the bundle technology. Played around with it a few years back.

Is that something that makes the process easier?

And thanks for the reply.

[Ed__Jobe]

Bundles were created by the ADN for the Autodesk app store to make it easy to install. You can read more about it here. All you need to do is copy the bundle to the right folder and it works. The user doesn't have to do anything. But you still have the same problem of copying the files while acad is open and has a file lock on your dll. You could keep it simple by sending an email to the users to close AutoCAD and copy the bundle from location A to location B.

[SRSDS]

My app has demandloading. Seems like bundles have the same issue. 

Hopefully someone from AutoDesk creates a fix.

[Ed__Jobe]

There is no fix possible, since you can't unload a .NET dll. You must close the host application. This has to be up to the user to do. About all you could do is add code to your dll that checks for an update and closes prompts the user to close. That's sort of what my solution does. It would only save you from sending out a notification.