Application packaging course

Lesson 1 • Packaging Formats and Standards

Surveys major package formats and their appropriate use cases. Connects format choice to deployment infrastructure.

Lesson 2 • Setting Up the Packaging Lab

Guides learners through building an isolated packaging environment. Ensures a safe, reproducible workspace for all subsequent exercises.

Lesson 3 • Packaging Roles and Responsibilities

Outlines the packager's scope within IT operations and project teams. Clarifies handoff points with testing, security, and release teams.

Lesson 4 • What Application Packaging Is

Defines packaging as the process of preparing software for managed deployment. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • MSI Authoring with WiX Toolset

Introduces XML-based MSI authoring using the WiX toolset. Produces version-controlled, repeatable package builds.

Lesson 2 • Validation and ICE Rules

Applies Internal Consistency Evaluators to catch authoring errors. Validation is mandatory before any package enters testing.

Lesson 3 • Components, Features, and Products

Teaches the three-tier hierarchy that governs MSI installation logic. Correct hierarchy design prevents component rule violations.

Lesson 4 • MSI Architecture and Database Structure

Explains the relational database inside every MSI file. Connects table relationships to installation behaviour.

Lesson 1 • Cleaning and Optimising Captured Output

Removes unnecessary registry keys, files, and shortcuts from raw captures. Clean output reduces package size and deployment risk.

Lesson 2 • Repackaging Quality Checklist

Establishes a repeatable review process for repackaged output. Connects quality gates to downstream testing and deployment success.

Lesson 3 • Handling Complex Installers

Addresses installers that resist standard capture: chained, bootstrapped, and driver-based setups. Students apply workarounds for each scenario.

Lesson 4 • Using Professional Capture Tools

Demonstrates capture workflows in industry-standard repackaging tools. Hands-on exercises build muscle memory for common scenarios.

Lesson 1 • MST Transform Fundamentals

Explains how transforms layer changes onto base MSI packages. Transforms preserve vendor package integrity for future updates.

Lesson 2 • Vendor Customisation Frameworks

Uses vendor-provided customisation tools for major enterprise applications. Reduces repackaging effort when vendors supply supported methods.

Lesson 3 • MSP Patch Packages

Covers the creation and application of MSI patch packages for incremental updates. Patch sequencing rules prevent broken upgrade chains.

Lesson 4 • Testing Transforms and Patches

Validates that transforms and patches produce the intended installation state. Regression testing catches conflicts before production deployment.

Lesson 1 • MSIX App Attach and AVD

Configures MSIX app attach for Azure Virtual Desktop environments. Separates application delivery from OS image management.

Lesson 2 • MSIX Architecture and Benefits

Contrasts MSIX with MSI in terms of containerisation, clean uninstall, and update model. Positions MSIX within modern Windows deployment strategy.

Lesson 3 • Code Signing for MSIX

Signs MSIX packages with trusted certificates to meet deployment requirements. Unsigned packages are blocked by default Windows policy.

Lesson 4 • MSIX Modification Packages

Applies customisations to base MSIX packages without modifying originals. Mirrors the transform concept from MSI in the MSIX model.

Lesson 1 • Sequencing Complex Applications

Addresses middleware, plug-ins, and interdependent applications in virtual packages. Connection groups resolve cross-package dependencies at runtime.

Lesson 2 • Testing and Publishing Virtual Packages

Validates virtual packages in isolated and integrated environments before publishing. Publishing workflows differ between standalone and managed deployments.

Lesson 3 • Virtualisation Concepts for Packaging

Explains how virtualisation isolates applications from the OS and each other. Isolation principles guide sequencing decisions throughout the chapter.

Lesson 4 • Optimising Virtual Packages

Reduces virtual package size and improves streaming performance through targeted optimisation. Smaller feature blocks improve user launch experience.

Lesson 1 • Testing Strategy and Planning

Defines the scope, environments, and acceptance criteria for package testing. A documented test plan aligns packaging, testing, and release teams.

Lesson 2 • Defect Reporting and Resolution

Establishes a defect lifecycle from discovery through resolution and retest. Clear defect records accelerate root cause analysis and fix verification.

Lesson 3 • Functional and Installation Testing

Verifies that packages install, launch, and function as expected across target OS versions. Covers silent, interactive, and repair installation modes.

Lesson 4 • Automated Package Testing

Implements automated test scripts to accelerate and standardise package validation. Automation integrates with CI/CD pipelines for continuous quality checks.

Lesson 1 • Monitoring and Post-Deployment Validation

Tracks deployment success rates and application health after release. Post-deployment data feeds back into packaging improvement cycles.

Lesson 2 • PowerShell for Packaging Automation

Uses PowerShell to automate repetitive packaging tasks and deployment actions. Scripts reduce manual effort and enforce consistent packaging standards.

Lesson 3 • CI/CD Pipeline Integration

Embeds package build and test steps into continuous integration pipelines. Pipeline integration enforces quality gates before packages reach production.

Lesson 4 • Package Deployment Fundamentals

Reviews deployment mechanisms available in enterprise environments and their trade-offs. Deployment method selection affects rollout speed and rollback capability.