[Python-Dev] Python merge module

[Hoyt, David]

> Using msilib is easier than using Wix. It's also more flexible.

IMO, no. It's simply not.

> All you have to know is how the MSI schema works.

Same with WiX.

> It could easily be extended to do so, in a straight-forward manner.

Other packaging apps already have it - no work needed.

> (actually, there is no need to create the other two types of files, either, as it stands).

Sure there is. Transform files + bootstrappers give you localizable installs in one flat file.

> Definitely not. Python is easier than XML.

I disagree.

> If you think otherwise, feel free to provide a proof in the form of a Wix installation generator for Python.

If you think otherwise, why don't you provide proof and get the WiX guys to switch to Python and use your msilib package? The point is that your argument is nonsensical.

I'm really not trying to start a flame war here (my original post only asked if there was "thought towards migrating away from msilib"). There's legitimate need/desire for a merge module to make it easier to package a specific Python version. I can (and am) including it in the bootstrapper, but it would make things much cleaner to simply have a merge module available. If the answer's "no and we don't ever intend to", then that's perfectly fine. (c: I really don't care to argue the merits or virtues of WiX vs. msilib and I apologize if I came across as doing that -- I simply was interested to know if there's any serious thought in the matter and it turns out that people are perfectly happy w/ msilib.