NConvert: Get Your Manifest Ready For Winget-pkgs

by SLV Team 50 views
NConvert: Get Your Manifest Ready for winget-pkgs

Hey guys! So, you're looking to get NConvert added to the winget-pkgs repository, awesome! It's a fantastic command-line tool, and getting it into winget makes it super easy for everyone to install and use. Let's break down how we can get the manifest built so you can submit it. We'll cover everything from the initial request to the required information. This will help you to know more about the process of how to build manifests for winget-pkgs. Don't worry; it's easier than you might think! This guide will help you understand all the elements of creating a manifest so you can add NConvert to the list of installable applications from the command line. This guide is made for people of all levels of experience, so don't worry if you don't know much about manifests or the winget package manager. Manifests are a way to describe how an application is installed on your system. They contain information about the package, such as the name, the version, the download URL for the installer, and other relevant details. It's like a set of instructions that the winget package manager follows to install the software. By creating a manifest, you are essentially providing all the information needed for the system to understand where to get the software from and how to install it. If you're a developer, you might want to consider creating manifests for all of your applications, so others can easily install them. So, let's get you set up to easily install NConvert!

Understanding the Basics of winget-pkgs and Manifests

Alright, before we dive in, let's get a handle on what winget-pkgs and manifests are all about. Think of winget-pkgs as a massive library of software packages that you can install directly from your command line using the winget tool. It's like the app store for your command line! Manifests are the blueprints that winget uses to install these packages. They are basically YAML files that contain all the necessary information about a piece of software: the name, version, download links, and installation instructions. The winget tool reads these manifests and does the heavy lifting of downloading and installing the software for you. This makes it super convenient for users, as they don't have to manually download installers and go through installation wizards. The process is automated through the manifest. Now, why is this so cool? Well, because it makes software management a breeze. You can install, update, and uninstall software with simple commands. For developers, it's a way to get your software in front of a wider audience and make it easier for users to install and manage. For users, it's a convenient way to manage software.

The Role of winget

The winget command-line utility is the key player here. It's built into Windows 10 and 11, and it's your go-to tool for managing software packages. It uses the manifests in winget-pkgs to fetch and install applications. Simply put, winget is the package manager, winget-pkgs is the repository, and manifests are the instructions.

Gathering the Required Information for Your Manifest

To build a manifest for NConvert, you'll need to gather some specific details. Let's look at the information provided and break it down:

Download Page URL

The download page URL is https://www.xnview.com/en/nconvert/#downloads. This is where users will find the download links, and it helps them get the latest version of the tool. Make sure this link is accurate and points to the official download page for NConvert. Always verify that the link is working correctly so it can be installed without any issues. Ensuring the correct download page URL is the first step toward building a successful manifest. This is because users will use the download page URL to locate and verify the installer file.

Publisher

The publisher of NConvert is Pierre-e Gougelet. The publisher is an important detail, as it helps identify the source of the software. The publisher is also crucial for validating the authenticity of the software. The package manager will know who created the software and whether it is an official release. Including the publisher makes it easier to track the software's origins and helps build user trust. Ensure that the publisher information is correct.

Package Name

The package name is NConvert. This is the official name of the software and how it will be identified in the winget repository. It is how users will find and install NConvert using the winget command. Ensure that the package name is accurately reflected in the manifest. The winget package manager will search using the package name, so it's a key detail to add.

Description

The description is "NConvert is a powerful command line multi-platform batch image processor with more than 80 commands. Compatible with 500 image formats." This description provides a quick overview of what NConvert does. It helps users understand the software's capabilities and decide if it's what they need. A well-written description should be both informative and concise. Always ensure that the description is accurate and easy to understand. The description is how the user decides whether or not to install the software, so it's important to be clear.

Package Version

The package version is 7.221. The version number helps users and the package manager keep track of updates. It also ensures that users are installing the latest version. The version is the most recent version of the tool. This helps users quickly determine if they have the latest version installed on their machine. As new versions become available, the manifest should also be updated with the latest version. Regularly updating the version helps the winget package manager provide the latest updates.

Installer URL

The installer URL is https://download.xnview.com/NConvert-win64.zip. This is the direct link to the NConvert installer file. Ensure this link is working correctly and that it points to the correct installer for the specified version. The installer URL is a crucial element for the winget package manager, as it's the exact location where the software can be downloaded. You need to always keep the link up-to-date.

Building the Manifest (Example)

Now, let's create a basic example of how the manifest might look. This is a simplified version, as the actual manifest can contain more details. This example will give you a basic understanding of how to structure the manifest. You will need to create a YAML file (e.g., NConvert.yaml) and include the following details. Remember, you can consult the official winget-pkgs documentation for the full spec and examples. It is very important to use a YAML file for the manifest. YAML is a human-readable data serialization language. This structure will help the winget package manager to read the information. Always make sure the indentation is correct because it's important in YAML files.

PackageIdentifier: Pierre-e Gougelet.NConvert
PackageVersion: 7.221
PackageName: NConvert
Publisher: Pierre-e Gougelet
Description: NConvert is a powerful command line multi-platform batch image processor with more than 80 commands. Compatible with 500 image formats.
InstallerUrls:
  - InstallerUrl: https://download.xnview.com/NConvert-win64.zip
    Architecture: x64
InstallerType: zip

Important notes about the manifest:

  • PackageIdentifier: This is a unique identifier for the package, typically the publisher and package name combined. This is very important because it must be unique. Make sure to use something that is not already in use. When you are creating the PackageIdentifier, it must follow the format of <Publisher>.<PackageName>.
  • PackageVersion: The version number of the software.
  • PackageName: The name of the software.
  • Publisher: The name of the software publisher.
  • Description: A brief description of the software.
  • InstallerUrls: A list of URLs for the installer files. Since there is only one in this case, there is only one URL. If multiple installer files are available for other architectures, then each would have its own URL.
    • InstallerUrl: The direct link to the installer file.
    • Architecture: The architecture the installer is built for (e.g., x64, x86, arm64). This is very important, as this will install the proper architecture for the user's system.
  • InstallerType: The type of installer (e.g., zip, inno, msi). You must specify the installer type. This will tell winget how to handle the installation process. The installer can be of many types, and they all require different handling. If the installer type is incorrect, it might not install correctly.

Submitting Your Manifest

After you've created your manifest, you'll need to submit it to the winget-pkgs repository. The submission process typically involves a pull request on GitHub. You'll need to fork the repository, add your manifest to the correct directory, and then submit a pull request. The details for this submission process are beyond the scope of this guide but are well-documented on the Microsoft winget-pkgs GitHub repository. Don't be shy about asking questions on the GitHub repository or the winget community forums if you need help. There's a friendly community ready to help you.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Always check the download links: Make sure they are correct and up-to-date.
  • Test your manifest: Use the winget tool locally to test if the manifest installs the software correctly.
  • Follow the guidelines: Adhere to the winget-pkgs repository's formatting and submission guidelines.
  • Be patient: The review process can take some time, but it's worth it.

Conclusion

Getting NConvert into winget-pkgs is a great way to make it more accessible to users. This guide helps you get started with the information you need and the basic steps to build the manifest. Remember to always double-check your information and follow the guidelines. Good luck, and happy manifesting! We're excited to see NConvert available on winget soon!