Upload whole APKs instead of chunked ZIP files about cordova-plugin-apkupdater

[kolbasa]

The compression rate depends entirely on the structure of the app. For other apps, the savings can be substantial.

But I get the idea. I'm sure many others will see it that way as well.

I'll add that to the backlog.
But it's low priority for now, there are other important issues I need to solve at the moment.

[kolbasa]

The basic idea is actually just that the APK file is offered for download in a compressed form.
You can just generate one chunk, that would simply be the compressed APK in an archive. Multiple chunks are really only interesting if you want to implement background download.

You can also easily offer multiple versions for download. Each version simply needs its own manifest file.
The app just needs to know which versions exist and where the appropriate update is located.
The plugin itself does not decide which version is newer than the other. So you don't have to install the latest version at all.
You can even install third party apps this way. Just note that version downgrades are not possible.

Your use case would be covered by this, or am I misunderstanding?
Or is it simply that the additional compression step is annoying?

[capc0]

I tested it with just one chunk and it is working very well.

Or is it simply that the additional compression step is annoying?

yes.

The APK file format is already pretty compressed. In my example the APK is 14 MB and the ZIP with one chunk ~13.5 MB.

When releasing a new version of the App, I have to

1. Upload the APK. This is e.g. needed for new users who never downloaded the App before (and of course want to start with the newest version, why bother downloading a outdated verison?)
2. Upload the chunked ZIP. For users who already have an older version installed and are getting the update from within the app.
3. Upload the manifest.json

Step 2 seems rather unnecessary in my opinion.

Nevertheless this plugin is working great, thanks for your efforts!

[kolbasa]

I've been thinking about this. You are right. I overengineered the plugin way too much.
This also made it difficult to maintain.

I have simplified the plugin and removed all the manifest logic.
I still have to write a proper documentation, but on the refactoring-branch you can already test the version.
You can now directly download and install the APK. Zipped files are also supported.

v2.0.0:
https://github.com/kolbasa/cordova-plugin-apkupdater/tree/refactoring

Demo-Apk:
https://github.com/kolbasa/cordova-plugin-apkupdater-demo

[capc0]

hi, thanks for the update.

I will definitely try this once I find some time for it.

[kolbasa]

I think I can close this now. Let me know if you have problems with the new version.

[capc0]

just a quick follow up: we migrated to the newest plugin version and everything is looking good so far.
thank you!

[kolbasa]

Glad to hear that. If there are any problems or suggestions for improvement, just write. 👍