Thread

Having dealt with numerous php/mysql systems, vBulletin, PhotoPost, Movable Type, Blogs,etc. I have always found the update process work intensive, complicated and frustrating. People who create these programs are not good at simplifying processes, quite the opposite. And I find that they forget that the consumers of their products are not typically programmers. They just want to get a job done, that of updating their software.

But installing and updating systems such as ExpressionEngine are fraught with complicated instructions and complicated steps. Such as rename your ExpressionEngine System folder and uploading a new one. But the instructions that follow that do not specify if they follow from the recommendations or not. Other side remarks are integrated into the instructions further complicated the mental gymnastics one has to try to figure out before proceeding. And do not have us have to re-upload parts of our software. Just upgrade the parts that need it. Config stuff is especially a pain. Sure I have been able to do it, but what a chore! Suggestion, try to get a 10 year old to do it. If he/she has any questions, address those or simplify the process. I just want software that works. Even after making backups not all goes well all the time. As seen in various forum posts.

I believe that many would love to see the day when one just uploads a single file to the server and that file does all the work of updating the software. No more tedious uploads into particular folders and the while hoping and praying that your beloved website is still working at the end of the process. Better yet, let the program update itself (with our permission, of course). Even updating Operating Systems has gotten simpler, simpler than updating EE. The user does not want to become programmers, they just want software that works.

So ultimately, what I am saying is: Simplify the Update Process! In simplifying the process you will naturally simplify the instructions. I really do not want to hear that it is not possible. If Lady Gaga can sell records, anything is possible. Make it simple and fool proof.  And don’t have us have to upgrade every 10 days. Quarterly is more than enough times to fool with and worry about one’s website.

The update process has been beaten to death in many a forum posts, blog posts, twitter complaints, etc. You could look at it in another light and understand that the system is built like it is to provide flexibility and extensibility. Scripts can be written to automate the update process. Things will always have to be modified, but they can go a long way towards speeding up the process. I wrote a script that I use to update my ee sites https://github.com/kellypacker/eeupdate It probably needs some work and some additional if statements, but it’s a start.

Cool, will check out the script. That this subject has been beaten to death should tell those developing these systems something. No other industry would take the chance of ignoring the treasure that is customer feedback.