exit the app before installing

[mencoBot1]

I have a scenario where my main application (MainApp.app) includes a helper application (Helper.app) within its bundle:
/Applications/MainApp.app/Contents/Helpers/Helper.app

The Helper.app integrates Sparkle and is responsible for updating MainApp.app. Since Helper.app is bundled inside MainApp.app, when an update is performed, both MainApp.app and Helper.app should be updated together.

Before triggering the update, I ensure that MainApp.app has already exited. Then, I initiate the Sparkle update process in Helper.app as follows:

// appBundle： /Applications/MainApp.app
sparkleUpdater = SPUUpdater(hostBundle: appBundle, applicationBundle: appBundle...)
sparkleUpdater.start()
sparkleUpdater.checkForUpdates()

I have the following questions:

• Will the update succeed in this setup?
• Will Helper.app be terminated during the update process?
• If Helper.app is not terminated, will replacing MainApp.app (which contains Helper.app) work correctly, or could there be issues due to the running process?
• Is there a better approach for handling updates in this scenario?

I appreciate any insights or recommendations. Thanks!

[zorgiepoo]

The most recommended path is updating inside of your main app, rather than from an embedded helper. The user can use your application while the update is prepared to being installed, and it's best integrated / tested path.

Will Helper.app be terminated during the update process?

No, not with your setup.

If Helper.app is not terminated, will replacing MainApp.app (which contains Helper.app) work correctly, or could there be issues due to the running process?

There might be issues with a running app being replaced, particularly if the helper app shows UI / shows a window / is in the dock.

Since you said you ensure the main app is already terminated, one approach you could try is setting the applicationBundle to your helper app, set the host bundle as you have it to the main app, set SURelaunchHostBundle in your main app's Info.plist, and maybe set SUBundleName too (though I think CFBundleDisplayName or CFBundleName would work too). That might work and would have Sparkle terminate your helper app before installing the update, but needs to be tested.

Another approach is to copy the helper app outside of the main app bundle.