v.1.0.1: New version install_appimage.sh

v1.0.1 (2025-03-06)

Added

• Optional Checksum Verification: Introduced -c (inline checksum) and -C (checksum file) flags to allow users to verify the integrity of AppImages using sha256sum.
• Fallback .desktop Creation: Added logic to create a minimal .desktop file if the AppImage does not provide one (can be disabled via --no-fallback-desktop).
• Reinstall & Update Flags: Implemented -r (reinstall) and -u (update) options to handle existing installations.
• Dry-Run Mode: Enhanced the -n flag to simulate all file operations without actually modifying the system.
• Verbose Debug Mode: Added -v flag for more granular logging and troubleshooting.
• Distinct Exit Codes: Defined specific exit codes for common failure points (e.g., missing dependencies, extraction failure, checksum mismatch).

Changed

• Removed eval: Replaced all eval "$*" commands with a safer function that calls commands directly, preventing possible command injection vulnerabilities.
• Improved Error Handling: Script now provides clearer, more descriptive messages and exits early with the relevant exit code when critical steps fail (e.g., .desktop file not found, extraction failure).
• Better Maintainability: Refactored functions to be smaller and more focused, making the script easier to read and modify.

Fixed

• Permissions Handling: Ensured that the AppImage is set as executable (chmod +x) before extraction and after copying to the install location.
• Dependency Checks: Added checks for mktemp, find, grep, file, and sha256sum to ensure the user’s system is properly configured.

appimage-installer

Version 1.0.0 – Initial Release

This first release of AppImage Installer introduces a fully automated Bash script designed to simplify the installation of AppImage applications on Linux. Key features include:

Automated Extraction:
Extracts the embedded .desktop file and icon from an AppImage, ensuring seamless integration with your desktop environment.

Customizable Installation:
Copies the AppImage executable to a user-defined directory (default: ~/bin) and installs the icon into the standard icons directory (~/.local/share/icons).

Desktop Integration:
Creates a desktop entry in ~/.local/share/applications, making the installed application accessible through your system’s application menu.

Dry-Run & Debug Modes:
Offers a dry-run option to simulate the installation process without making changes and a debug mode for verbose output to aid troubleshooting.

Robust Error Handling & Dependency Checks:
Implements best practices using set -euo pipefail, dependency validation, and proper cleanup of temporary files.

This release lays the foundation for future enhancements and contributions. Feedback, bug reports, and feature requests are highly encouraged to help evolve the tool further.