Feature Proposal: TWiki application packager and installer

Motivation

The TWiki community has been discussing a TWiki application packager and installer feature for TWiki for a long time. Initially I brought it up in 2005 at TWikiAppPackageHowToDiscussion, then it was discussed again in 2008 at RequirementsForATWikiApplicationPackager. The JerusalemReleaseFocus covers a packaging standard for TWiki apps. This proposal does just that. A separate proposal will cover a related TWikiAppRepository.

Overview

A TWiki application consists of a set of pages that make up the application logic. For example, the very simple MeetingMinutes application consists of the MeetingMinutes homepage and a MeetingMinutesTemplate page. TWiki applications are made up of HTML, TML, and possibly some CSS and JavaScript. Users typically fill out forms to create structured content that can be queried easily.

Basic features of a TWiki application packager and installer:

• Standard to define what pages make up a TWiki application, e.g. a manifest
• Automatic package build of set pages into a single archive file based on manifest
• App repository on twiki.org for free applications, separate repository for payed-for applications
• Way to publish app packages on twiki.org
• Way to categorize app packages
• Easy way to browse app repository from within a TWiki installation
• Easy way to install an app, also my end-users, e.g. non-administrators
• Easy way to upgrade an app
• Uninstall feature?

Over the next few weeks we will refine the spec of a TWiki application packager and installer.

Description and Documentation

TBD

Examples

Impact

Implementation

-- Contributors: PeterThoeny - 2011-09-27

Discussion