Would it be possible to re-release the apps with each executable having details derived from the contents of the application page at the time that particular version was released.
e.g. The Summary tab of file properties for K-3DPortable_0.8.0.1_English.paf.exe would have the following attributes embedded in the executable:
Title="K-3D Portable"
Subject="K-3D is a 3D modeling and animation software package. It combines flexible plugins with a visualization pipeline architecture, making K-3D a versatile and powerful tool for artists."
Source="https://portableapps.com/apps/graphics_pictures/k-3d_portable"
Comments="New artists will find K-3D easy to understand, and professionals feel right at home. K-3D is intuitive, consistent, and discoverable. K-3D features procedural and parametric workflows. Properties can be adjusted interactively and results appear immediately. The powerful, node-based visualization pipeline allows more possibilities than traditional modifier stacks or histories. Selection flows from one modifier to the next. An advanced undo/redo system ensures you can always go back, and the pioneering undo tree means you can always go forward, even where other programs lose the ability to redo. Industrial-strength standards form the foundation on which K-3D builds - including native RenderMan(TM) support that integrates tightly with the K-3D user interface.
Graphics Note: K-3D makes heavy use of your PC's graphics system. In Windows Vista and 7 it may cause Windows to temporarily switch out of the Aero theme to Basic. It may not run while applications with advanced graphics hooks are running (VMs like VirtualBox, for example).
Learn more about K-3D: http://www.k-3d.org/"
Visit the Community page
Join our forums
Subscribe to our email newsletter
Subscribe with RSS
Follow us on BlueSky
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Mastodon
Follow us on Twitter
We have no intention of ever doing anything like this.
I am a Christian and a developer and moderator here.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Our apps have everything they need within AppInfo. And additional details will be obtained via the Platform. What purpose would any of the above serve?
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
I think it is that people like meta-data, as well it is a nice thing to watch data being pulled from databases and being presented in interesting ways.
One thing I will say your apps are solid, and conform to a good development philosophy even if some things I find are strange there is normally a good reason (or limitation) that is readily explained.
Good luck with the new menu.
My point was the name, URL and description (as well as category, publisher and more) are already contained within the package. Putting them in the EXE adds nothing at all. The description info is overkill and doesn't need to be included.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
I could see some of the requested info being useful. If one has downloaded many apps over a period of time and has them on their hdd then gets a new USB stick it could help determine which files relate to which apps when putting PA on the new stick.
Something like:
Title="K-3D Portable"
Subject="K-3D is a 3D modeling and animation software package."
Source="https://portableapps.com/apps/graphics_pictures/k-3d_portable"
Anything more would be overkill IMO.
Ed
That was my point, though, this information is already there for every app. The original post isn't asking for this information available within the PA.c Menu (which is planned), they want it in the extended properties of the launcher, which we have no plans to do (would require updating every app, won't show up translated, some apps like CookTime have no launcher for us to add this to, etc). If you want the info outside of the platform, just open AppInfo.ini in the AppInfo directory.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
It seems these are too different things.
The metadata in AppInfo.ini contains all that is needed, but I think the threadopener is not talking about an already installed app (the launcher exe) but the installation package paf.exe.
In that case he seems to miss the point, too. The summary tab (if that is what is in german localization "Dateiinfo") is empty for almost all exe files i know. Useful information that is shown as tooltip is located in the version tab and that already contains most info needed apart from a short description of the app. The field comment(?) now just contains "For additional details, visit PortableApps.com" for every app and could be filled with the description in appinfo.ini by the installer (in case it is planned for further releases).
I could see a benefit for a small group of users who collect every paf they find (maybe like me) to identify it (names are not alway a good hint) before installing it.
I never missed it since when in doubt I simply install an app to see what does. Deleting an unneeded app is just some clicks...
I wonder why someone would download all portable applications, even though he only really uses 2, 3 or 4 applications. There is no need to download everything you see without at least find a use for it, you'll only waste sites bandwidth.
Actually, I think your suggestion is quite unnecessary, considering that all informations can be obtained here on the site.
Oh, I seem not to have expressed myself clearly and perhaps forgot a smiley or two. I didn't want to suggest it as I find no use for it.
That said, my practice seems to differ form yours, I use at least 20 different apps on a regular basis and many more from time to time.
And as new development tests turn up every week my repository filled quit a bit over the years. I mostly keep what I downloaded once. Is saves bandwidth not to download everything multiply times. :evil: