Easy PHP Software Upgrades Options

[bytech]

With upgrades being such a pain with most online apps, why not:

- build a central database of URL hosting the app
- check when an update was last done by the system inquiring for one
- package all files modified by the app maker since the last upgrade the user made
- compare what is on the users server, let the user know if a file expected to be upgraded has been moded since the previous version install / upgrade.

I'm sure there are other little steps that could further improve the process, but it's sad how time consuming upgrades can be when they really don't need to be...

[DigitaLink]

That's why so many people simple don't DO the upgrades like they should. I know I've been guilty of it from time to time. Especially when it's something I've heavily customized and the updates will wipe out all that work. Forums spring immediately to mind.

Essentially what you're talking about is apt-get for php apps. I'm sure it's possible, but I doubt it'd be easy. This is one of the big selling points of hosted online web apps. You never have to worry about the upgrades ... the application host does it all for you. Downside is ... you can't customize it as much as self-hosted apps.