Hi, what are the differences between PortableApps versions of apps and their standalone portable versions?
For example, SumatraPDF and KeePass both have portable versions on their websites. Did the PortableApps developers simply take the standalone portable versions and put them into the PortableApps platform framework, or did they start with the non-portable versions and modified them?
Thanks.
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It depends on the app.
Some portable versions of apps from the original developers are not quite portable to our standard, so we package them up so that the Launcher handles any extra portability issues.
Others are already portable by PortableApps standards, in which case we do just take the developers portable version and put it into PortableApps format.
Most zipped or 'native' portable apps aren't fully portable. KeePass, for instance, can't reopen your last used database by default since the path won't exist when you move PCs and your drive letter changes. SumatraPDF has the same issue with recently used and most used files.
It's bigger than that, though. It's about having all apps in a specific format with a consistent directory structure. That way users can upgrade them without worrying about accidentally overwriting settings or not cleaning up any legacy app files from a previous version. A format that can work with an automatic updater and an app store or work entirely on its own and still make installation and upgrades as easy as possible.
The full details are here: https://portableapps.com/about/what_is_a_portable_app#whypaf
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