Windows Installer XML Toolset (WiX, pronounced "wicks") is a free software toolset that builds Windows Installer packages from XML. It consists of a command-line environment that developers may integrate into their build processes to build MSI and MSM packages. WiX was the first Microsoft project to be released under an open-source license, the Common Public License. It was also the first Microsoft project to be hosted on an external website.

History

WiX was the first Microsoft project to be released under an open-source license, the Common Public License. At the same time, the license was changed from the Common Public License to the Microsoft Reciprocal License. On May 4, 2016, WiX was transferred to the .NET Foundation.

Visual Studio 2012 removed the traditional setup project type. However, due to user feedback, an MSI setup project type was made available as a free extension starting with Visual Studio 2013. WiX is one of a set of recommended alternatives.

Functions

WiX is a toolset designed to build Windows Installer (.msi) packages using the command line.

  • Candle: compiles source files into object files
  • Light: combines object files into a .msi file
  • Lit: creates libraries that can be linked by Light.exe
  • Dark: decompiles a .msi file into WiX code
  • Heat: creates a WiX source file
  • Pyro: creates Patch files (.msp) without needing the Windows Installer SDK
  • Burn: coordinates dependency installer

See also

  • List of installation software
  • Shared Source Initiative

References

  • Interview with Rob Mensching of Microsoft's WiX Project