Installation Projects

InstallShield X

With InstallShield, you have the ability to choose between a variety of different installation project types—those that use InstallShield's powerful InstallScript programming language (InstallScript), those that use the Windows Installer database (Basic MSI), or a combination of the two (InstallScript MSI). You can also create an installation that targets Smart Devices.

The installation project type you choose depends on the needs of your software installation. InstallShield provides the same intuitive Installation Development Environment (IDE) for all project types, so your application's needs can dictate the project type and your authoring experience does not change. Additionally, the knowledge gained by learning how to create projects of one type is applicable to projects of the other type.

Similarities Between Project Types

All InstallShield installation project types create installations that have the same professional, industry-standard look and feel that your end users have come to expect from InstallShield. All allow you to create customized installations to meet the needs and expectations of your end users.

Despite the similarities in the project types' feature sets, there are some important differences between, especially between the InstallScript and Basic MSI projects. See Determining Which Installation Project Is Right for You to help you decide which of these project types is right for your software installation needs.