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pythonwindowsauto-updatepyinstalleresky

Python script into a standalone single file executable that can auto-update?

I wrote a program in Python 2.7 for my office. Using PyInstaller with the --onefile flag, I've compiled it into a single EXE file to distribute to my co-workers. What I'm trying to figure out now is how to supply updates automatically but still keep the program as a single file.

My current method is to have the program alert the user of a new version and give instructions where to obtain the updated file. This works, but I want to find some method of updating without the user's involvement.

I am aware of Esky, which can create auto-updating Python programs, but as far as I can tell, it requires the program to exist as multiple files.

Any suggestions on how I make a standalone, single file EXE python program that can auto-update?

Solution
    • you can download your new executable to a temp folder
    • use __file__ to know the current location of the executable
    • show a message that you need to restart

    • use sys.execcv or subrocess alternative to replace the current running process with a small script something like

      "sleep(1) & copy {tempfile} {filename}".format(tmp_file,__file__)

    (simple batch commands that overwrite the old exe with the new exe)