Product Version

[KMarois]

I am brand new to Wix, so bear with me...

I am using Wix 3 to build a Proof of Concept installer to install a WPF application.

At build time, I want to retrieve the Product Version from the WPF app's exe. I'm trying this, but it doesn't compile:

<?define PRODUCT=$(var.WixDemo.TargetName)?>
<?define MAINEXE=$(var.WixDemo.TargetFileName)?>
<?define VERSION=""?> <============= WHAT GOES HERE??
	
<Product Id="*" 
			Name="$(var.PRODUCT)"
			Version="$(var.VERSION)"
			Language="1033" 
			Manufacturer="Acme Widgets" 
			UpgradeCode="{0C6D0563-C288-4217-90ED-904DCF799609}">

I'm using Heat to create import the files, and if I hard code the generated GUI from the EXE file, that does work:
<?define VERSION="!(bind.fileVersion.filD7191EADF27B9A1BF81DFB89BFDB8E4F)"?>

but that's not a solution because the GUI changes from time to time.

There doesn't seem to be a variable for Version in the supported variables table:
https://wixtoolset.org/docs/v3/votive/votive_project_references/

Thanks

[robmen]

I just did a Deployment Dojo episode "Variables End to End." that walks through the different variable types. It uses WiX v4 but the same concepts apply to WiX v3. If you're new, it should be helpful to contextualize all the different variables you're using.

1. I'd recommend dropping the <?define?> preprocessor variables to remove some complexity. Just put the bind variables in the Product's Name, and Version attributes to get started.
2. Harvesting using heat.exe creates challenges like this since it generates complex ids. Some people use XSLTs to transform the heat output to hammer it into a shape they like.

Personally, I don't like messing around with heat and use FireGiant's Harvesting from the WiX Expansion Pack. If you use that harvesting solution, then you can set the KeyIdentifier attribute on the HarvestProject to get a friendly identifier for the WPF exe. Using the example in the documentation, you're bind variable would look like !(bind.fileVersion.MyConsoleApp).

[robmen]

There are a few out there. I have this really old list. More are coming in the future as well.

[KMarois]

Rob, I want to look at the Advanced Harvesting option, but I can't seem to find the FgwepExtension.wixext.dll referenced on that page. There's no NuGet reference. What am I missing?

[robmen]

That "Advanced Harvesting" is part of the WiX Expansion Pack (WEP). You can get a trial license by creating a FireGiant Account.

For WiX v4 (-rc.3 if all goes to plan), the WEP will be available as a NuGet package (and thus easier to acquire).

[KMarois]

So is there any way to do the harvestingoption without buying a license?

[robmen]

The FireGiant license file is designed to be easy to integrate into the build. You can just check the file in any folder equal to or above your .wixproj. There are other options documented on the FireGiant Licensing page.