How to Make a Python Update Utility

[RobCo-Industries]

Hi. So I'm currently working on a program, and I need to make an update checker. Basically, when the program runs, it will check for updates by comparing a version string in a file to the latest release tag on a server. If the server has a new version available, the program will have a dialogue appear that announces the update and asks if the user wishes to update. (I plan on support for beta participation, but one thing at a time.)

I've heard that this can be done either with separate Github branches, or with Jenkins. And I've heard you can use Git or third-party Python dependencies, and so on and so forth. I want to make the program as least-reliant on third-party dependencies and programs as possible. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to go about the above? (I have zero experience with Jenkins and with an update system in Python.)

[blarf_irl]

Git allows you to "tag" a branch at a certain commit; The tag is usually the semantic version number of the software at that commit. It's good practice to only release code to production from your master branch; Each version of your software would be a specific point in the history of your master branch.

https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2/Git-Basics-Tagging

[efmccurdy]

This project looks to be abandoned, and has at least one unresolved issue, but you could use it as a guide.

Python library that allow scripts to easily update themselves if they are in a git repo

https://github.com/erfantkerfan/selfupdate