PyWinInstall - Python Environment Installer

A Windows WPF application that automates the installation of Python, cloning of Git repositories, and setting up Python virtual environments with package installation.

Features

• Python Installation: Downloads and installs specified Python versions from python.org
• Git Repository Cloning: Clones repositories using LibGit2Sharp
• Virtual Environment Setup: Creates Python virtual environments automatically
• Package Installation: Installs packages from requirements.txt or common packages
• Desktop Shortcuts: Creates desktop shortcuts for Python applications with custom icons
• User-Friendly Interface: Clean WPF interface with real-time progress tracking and output logging
• Automated Workflow: "Complete Setup" button for fully automated installation

Requirements

• Windows 10/11
• .NET 8.0 SDK or later (Download here)
• Administrator privileges (for Python installation)
• Git (optional, for repository cloning functionality)

Installation

Prerequisites

1. Install .NET 8.0 SDK:

   • Visit https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/8.0
   • Download and install the SDK (not just the runtime)
   • Verify installation by running dotnet --version in a terminal

2. Install Git (optional):

   • Visit https://git-scm.com/download/win
   • Download and install Git for Windows

Building the Application

1. Ensure you have .NET 8.0 SDK installed
2. Open terminal in project directory
3. Run: dotnet restore
4. Run: dotnet build
5. Run: dotnet run (or build and run the executable)

Usage

Individual Operations

1. Install Python:

   • Select desired Python version (3.9.19 to 3.12.6)
   • Choose installation directory
   • Click "Install Python"

2. Clone Repository:

3. Clone Repository:

   • Enter Git repository URL
   • Select destination directory
   • Click "Clone Repository"

4. Setup Python Environment:

   • Choose to create virtual environment
   • Select package installation options
   • Specify target Python program (e.g., astrofiler.py)
   • Enable desktop shortcut creation
   • Click "Setup Environment"

Automated Installation

1. Configure Python installation, Git repository, and environment setup options
2. Click "Complete Setup" to run the entire process automatically

Configuration Options

Python Installation

• Version: Choose from supported Python versions (3.9.19 to 3.12.6)
• Install Path: Directory where Python will be installed (default: C:\Python)
• Skip Installation: Check if Python is already installed

Git Repository

• Repository URL: Full Git repository URL (https or ssh)
• Clone Path: Directory where repository will be cloned

Python Environment Setup

• Create Virtual Environment: Automatically creates .venv in the project directory
• Install Packages: Installs from requirements.txt or common packages (astropy, numpy, matplotlib, etc.)
• Target Program: Specify the main Python program to run (e.g., astrofiler.py)
• Desktop Shortcut: Creates a desktop shortcut that runs the target program without console windows

Package Installation

The application can install packages in two ways:

1. From requirements.txt: If found in the cloned repository, packages are installed automatically
2. Default packages: If no requirements.txt is found, installs common packages:
   • astropy
   • peewee
   • numpy
   • matplotlib
   • pytz
   • PySide6

All installations show real-time pip output with progress indicators.

Desktop Shortcuts

The application creates desktop shortcuts that:

• Run the target Python program within the virtual environment
• Use application icons (.ico files) if found in the project
• Launch without showing console windows
• Set proper working directory

Dependencies

• LibGit2Sharp: Git operations
• System.Management.Automation: PowerShell execution
• System.Windows.Forms: File/folder dialogs
• Newtonsoft.Json: JSON handling

Security Considerations

• The application requires administrator privileges for Python installation
• Repository cloning uses default Git credentials

Troubleshooting

Python Installation Issues

• Ensure you have administrator privileges
• Check if antivirus is blocking the installer
• Verify internet connection for download

Git Clone Issues

• Verify repository URL is accessible
• Check Git credentials for private repositories
• Ensure destination directory has write permissions

Customization

Adding New Python Versions

Edit the ComboBox items in MainWindow.xaml:

<ComboBoxItem Content="3.13.0"/>

Modifying Download URLs

Update the GetPythonDownloadUrl method in MainWindow.xaml.cs

License

This project is provided as-is for educational and development purposes.

Contributing

Feel free to submit issues and enhancement requests!