Inno Setup is a free and feature-rich script-driven installation system for Windows applications. It is designed to simplify the process of creating professional and reliable installation packages for software developers. Inno Setup provides a comprehensive set of features and customization options to create installer scripts that efficiently install, update, and uninstall software on Windows systems.

Key features of Inno Setup include:

  • Script-Driven Installation: Inno Setup utilizes script files written in a Pascal-based language to define the installation process. Developers can customize the behavior of the installer by writing code that specifies file locations, registry entries, shortcuts, and other installation tasks.
  • User Interface Customization: The application offers various customization options for creating a personalized and professional-looking installation experience. Developers can customize the installer's appearance, including graphics, fonts, colors, and dialog layouts, to match the branding and style of their software.
  • File Management: Inno Setup allows developers to specify which files are included in the installation package and where they should be installed on the target system. It supports file compression, encryption, and version checking to ensure that only necessary files are installed or updated.
  • Registry and INI File Modifications: The installer can make changes to the Windows registry and INI configuration files during the installation process. Developers can define registry keys, values, and permissions, as well as modify INI files to configure settings specific to their software.
  • Shortcuts and Start Menu Entries: Inno Setup enables the creation of shortcuts on the user's desktop, Start menu, and Quick Launch toolbar. Developers can specify the target file, icon, and other properties of the shortcuts to provide easy access to the installed software.
  • Pre- and Post-Installation Actions: Inno Setup supports executing custom actions before and after the installation process. Developers can include scripts or external programs to perform additional tasks such as system checks, prerequisite installations, or post-installation configurations.
  • Support for Multiple Languages: The installer can be localized into different languages, allowing developers to create multilingual installation packages. Users can select their preferred language during the installation process, ensuring a localized experience for software deployment.
  • Silent Installation and Uninstallation: Inno Setup supports silent or unattended installation, allowing developers to create installation packages that can be executed without any user interaction. This feature is particularly useful for system administrators or software distribution scenarios.

In summary, Inno Setup is a powerful and flexible installation system that simplifies the process of creating installation packages for Windows applications. With its script-driven approach, customizable user interface, file management capabilities, registry modifications, and support for multiple languages, Inno Setup provides developers with a robust toolset for creating professional and reliable software installers.