Is there a way to have vb check to see if a a newer version exists?

[Justin M]

Hi there folks! I am working on a math tools suite for K-Grade 5 teachers. I am finishing up the apps now, but I would like to add a feature where if I were to update the program, instead of burning new DVD's or emailing all of them, have the program they would be getting check online to see if a newer version exists (maybe somehow check the date the updated file was modified?), and if it is newer, then download it?

Would anyone have any experience with that sort of thing?

Thanks!!

[dz32]

[...]

[dilettante]

Make it simple, just post a text file (with your version number, date, etc. in it) alongside your download package. Easy to check and no need to parse any HTML junk overhead.

[jmsrickland]

Don't quite understand that, dil. If I have a CD of the 1st version and OP makes a new version how then does my copy know a new version is available with this text file

[ColinE66]

Dil is referring to having the text file hosted on a website somewhere. Your app downloads the text file and reads its content, comparing it to App.Major, .Minor etc.

[jmsrickland]

When I read post #2 I kind of got the idea thats what dz32 was suggesting even thou he didn't mention a text file per se

[ColinE66]

Yup. And you'd be right. Dil's suggestion merely obviates the need for an HTML page that needs to be parsed. i.e. it is far easier to store such simplistic information inside a plain text file: That was his point, I believe...

[dilettante]

That's pretty much it. Plain text is a little easier to work with and HTML adds no value here. But you could also use any other format such as binary data, XML, JSON, etc. For a simple timestamp or version number though text ought to be fine.