Overview
The auto_updater package enables Flutter desktop applications to automatically update themselves on macOS and Windows, leveraging Sparkle for macOS and WinSparkle for Windows. It simplifies the process of delivering updates by checking for new versions, downloading them, and applying the update seamlessly. Developers can integrate it into their apps with minimal configuration, ensuring users always have the latest version without manual intervention. The package is ideal for desktop apps requiring reliable, automated update mechanisms.
Use cases
- Automatic app updates in desktop Flutter apps
- Seamless version upgrades for end users
- Integration with Sparkle and WinSparkle frameworks
- Reducing manual update overhead
- Maintaining up-to-date desktop applications
Key features
- Supports macOS and Windows platforms
- Uses Sparkle and WinSparkle under the hood
- Minimal setup required
- Background update checks
- Automatic download and installation
Suitable for
- Desktop Flutter developers
- Apps requiring automatic updates
- Publishers wanting hassle-free deployment
- Teams managing multiple desktop releases
- Projects targeting macOS and Windows
Considerations
- Requires proper update feed configuration
- Limited to macOS and Windows
- Needs valid update metadata (e.g., XML or JSON)
- Not suitable for mobile platforms
- Depends on external native libraries