Project 6: WiX Toolset MSI Installer

A standard MSI installer for one of your previous projects (e.g., the my_ls tool from Project 2). The installer will place the executable in C:\Program Files, create a Start Menu shortcut, and add an entry in “Add/Remove Programs”.

Quick Reference

Attribute Value
Primary Language WiX (XML)
Alternative Languages N/A
Difficulty Level 2: Intermediate
Time Estimate Weekend
Knowledge Area Deployment / Installers
Tooling WiX Toolset, MSI
Prerequisites A compiled .exe from a previous project.

What You Will Build

A standard MSI installer for one of your previous projects (e.g., the my_ls tool from Project 2). The installer will place the executable in C:\Program Files, create a Start Menu shortcut, and add an entry in “Add/Remove Programs”.

Why It Matters

This project builds core skills that appear repeatedly in real-world systems and tooling.

Core Challenges

  • Understanding WiX XML syntax → maps to describing your product, components, and features declaratively
  • Defining components and GUIDs → maps to the core principle of MSI: every component needs a unique, stable ID
  • Creating directories and shortcuts → maps to using standard MSI properties and WiX elements
  • Compiling and linking the WiX project → maps to using candle.exe and light.exe to create the MSI

Key Concepts

  • MSI Components and Features: WiX Tutorial - “Your First Installation”
  • WiX Directory Structure: WiX documentation on the <Directory> element.
  • GUIDs in MSI: WiX Tutorial - “It’s a GUID World”

Real-World Outcome

Deliver a working demo with observable output that proves the feature is correct.

Implementation Guide

  1. Reproduce the simplest happy-path scenario.
  2. Build the smallest working version of the core feature.
  3. Add input validation and error handling.
  4. Add instrumentation/logging to confirm behavior.
  5. Refactor into clean modules with tests.

Milestones

  • Milestone 1: Minimal working program that runs end-to-end.
  • Milestone 2: Correct outputs for typical inputs.
  • Milestone 3: Robust handling of edge cases.
  • Milestone 4: Clean structure and documented usage.

Validation Checklist

  • Output matches the real-world outcome example
  • Handles invalid inputs safely
  • Provides clear errors and exit codes
  • Repeatable results across runs

References

  • Main guide: LEARN_WINDOWS_SYSTEMS_PROGRAMMING_CPP.md
  • “WiX: A Developer’s Guide to Windows Installer XML” by Nick Ramirez