How to create an update Launcher for MU Online

A launcher is the program the player opens before the game. It ensures the client is up to date and usually shows news and social buttons.

Nota: The concept is the same as any auto-updater: a checklist (usually with file hashes) on the server, compared on the client.

How a launcher works

You need web space (your site works) to store the client files and the version list the launcher reads.

The list tells the launcher each file's name, size/hash and where to download it. When you update something in the client, you update this list.

Dica: Use a hash (like MD5) to detect changes precisely. Comparing by size alone can miss changed files.

In the launcher, set the base update URL and the news URL. Test on a clean machine to ensure updating works from scratch.

Atenção: Always test the update before announcing. A corrupted file in the list can break every player's client at once.

What is a launcher for?

It compares the player's client files with the server's and downloads only what changed, so the player doesn't reinstall everything each update.

Does the launcher replace the client?

No. The launcher only updates and starts the client (Main). It's the program the player opens first.

Equipe editorial do ViciadosMU — portal de MU Online no ar desde 2003.