Re: "First Run" installation of Application support stuff?

FROM : Udo Ludtke
DATE : Mon Dec 16 21:40:08 2002

On 2002/12/16 0:13, "<email_removed>"
<<email_removed>> wrote:

> I would just like to make a plea for NOT putting stuff in
> /Library/Application Support/Whatever without thinking really hard
> about it...  For example, don't just copy a bunch of stuff in there
> that could just as easily be in the app wrapper...  If you want to
> support machine-wide optional stuff in that location, fine.  But
> applications that simply copy a bunch of stuff there for no good reason
> (you know who you are) are annoying.
>
> Same goes for ~/Library/Application Support/Whatever, but in this case,
> copying or creating stuff there is more forgivable, if it is something
> that makes sense.

I did have a similar complaint in the pre-OS X days about the preference
folder. Without manual clean-outs it turned into a real garbage collection.
Any shareware I tried out and then dumped left a trail of bits and pieces.

OS X allows a much cleaner installation mode.

I believe the cleanest installations put ALL bits and pieces in ONLY two
locations:
1) In a folder enclosing the application, in the Application folder.
2) In the app wrapper.

I know this goes against Apple's guidelines, but I strongly believe even
prefs are best put in the the app folder.

This will:
1)  Make a clean, simple installation.
2)  Make it easy for users to find support files if she needs to trouble
    shoot (in particular if the supporting files and folders are named
    logically)
3) Make it easy to un-install.

Udo
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