[FR] Auto Update TT

[boognish-rising]

If possible, it would be really great if the app had an auto update function. Or if that's not feasible without root access, even just pop-up or message toast informing the user that a new update is available. Shizuku support might help?

[valerieashborne]

Why not use version from f-droid with some nice fdroid client like droid-ify?
As for auto updates themself:

• User should be able to disable them altogether. Be it for privacy (since app is currently hosted on non free GitHub, so user might prefer avoid sending anything to GitHub), save a little bit traffic, or for any other reason.
• It should be configurable how often to check updates.

Or if that's not feasible without root access

It should, apps could ask android to allow them to install other apps via it. But user first need to allow this app to install anything.

But in general, is it really worth the hassle this days, when most people use some software stores like fdroid, google play, accresscant, even clients that install software directly from source?

[boognish-rising]

I do rely on a setup similar to what you've described, tho I prefer neo-store to droid-ify personally, but I have TT auto-update setup via Obtanium (or GitHub Store... They're linked so maybe both, I can't remember).

However, the problem is not a lack of options or know-how re: 3rd party options capable of auto updating Text Tools, it's the sheer volume of FOSS apps installed from F-Droid/GitHub/ IzzyOnDroid, etc., even with shizuku running 24/7 (thanks to a Shizuku fork with auto-start and watchdog), which makes the task even easier to update apps in the background, but for example as I type this open source apps are updating and I'm not sure the total number but there are 42 still pending**. In theory, what you've proposed could render individual app developers providing the native auto update unnecessary, but in practice, it's the apps that do provide it themselves which I find actually are updated in accordance with the release schedule of the app in question... Reliably and consistently. At least for app whores like myself that also happen to be open source advocates lol

**And that's on my Pixel 8 Pro, which isn't a powerhouse, but has a significantly better processor than some of my other devices. I had to disable global auto update on my Android TV devices (even my ShieldTV Pro) because the constant background updates bogged down the system indefinitely.

But in general, is it really worth the hassle this days, when most people use some software stores like fdroid, google play, accresscant, even clients that install software directly from source?

Hopefully I've illustrated as much but if not yes. It is worth it. Especially for an app like TT which you rarely actually open but instead exclusively interact with it via context menu or share sheet. At least that's my opinion but the question is really one for @corphish to consider and decide upon

Edit - in your defense, you're exactly right for a majority of users with a sane number of installed user apps. But there are other reasons, too. Quicker, earlier updates, for one (compared with relying on F-Droid & F-Droid clients to handle updates, anyway. they're notorious lollygaggers when it comes to publishing the latest release as compared to the project itself (whether hosted on GitHub, gitlab or otherwise)

[valerieashborne]

It is just, apart from being necessary or not on itself as feature, it is also will cause unnecessary security butthurts.

Let's say app should provide option to check and install updates (otherwise it is not really convenient), it needs to have internet access (to download new version, to check if there are new version) and access to install packages — both are quite dangerous permissions.

Now, it is devs responsibility to deal with supply chain, make sure that it won't be attacked and instead of new cool update you will download an equivalent of xz. And while main repo of F-Droid is not example of the safest software distribution, it most likely still safer then developers of apps with no experience in this area.

which makes the task even easier to update apps in the background

I would advice not to install apps using shizuku and rely on system package installer (I think they call it "session installer), precisely because you do not want to quietly install packages. And the fact that ADB can do so much more with system, including effectively bricking it (if not out of because of malice then out of mistake).

individual app developers providing the native auto update unnecessary

It highly depends on an app, however. Take Grayjay as example — they do provide built-in updater for whole app, but it makes sense in their case — YouTube, Twitch, etc could change something on their side and boom — entire app rendered useless, and now you need to patch app and post fix as soon as possible.
Does Texttools needs something like that?

Reliably and consistently. At least for app whores like myself that also happen to be open source advocates lol

I too have unreasonable amount of stuff installed, but honestly, I don't care much about something being updated as soon as possible this days (maybe I'm too old?). In worst case, if there something that I truly want as fast as possible — I can install file from source directly and then I will just wait until repo will catch up.

Also

even just pop-up or message toast informing the user that a new update is available

I also just use good old RSS feed for such cases. GitHub and many gut services provide RSS feeds for releases and, probably, tags section. Handy.

[boognish-rising]

@valerieashborne as before, I don't disagree with much of what you've stated in your response... any of it, really.

But two things can also be true at the same time 🙂

It's true that this request was largely made for personal reasons that vary a great deal by user, but what is true of nearly all Text Tools users is that it exists as an app that is very rarely launched or interacted with in any manner, except for the primary means of doing so, i.e., from Android's context menu and share sheet. So, given it's rarely launched and "flies under the radar" so to speak, IMO an auto update function serves most users, not just those line you or I (power users, many installed FOSS apps, etc).

Also a factor, using 3rd party apps or even F-Droid proper or any clients to handle updates for the user is itself a bit advanced, for most users.

Alas, the fact all remains that you and I can debate the pros and cons all day, ultimately @corphish will weigh them and proceed accordingly.

It's a pleasure to be able to debate an issue on which we have differing thoughts and opinions, remaining civil and courteous all the while. Thank you for that. 🙂