Install SourceTree from AppStore or from direct download

[David Potter]

When setting up my current machine SourceTree was only available from the website, so that's how I installed it. Even paid for a license (and happy to do it). I'm setting up a replacement machine and have to decide whether to go the same route or install from the App Store. The fact that it is free in the App Store makes that a very attractive choice. However, I noticed that the version I'm currently running is 1.5.5.1 but the version on the App Store is 1.5.3. So it looks like the direct download path would give me updates a LOT more quickly. Is that a reasonable analysis? If I want quicker updates, install from the website, if I'm not as concerned about that, install from the App Store?

I suppose this is the bottom line question: How often do you intend to update the app on the App Store?

Thanks,
David

[stevestreeting · Accepted solution]

I always recommend the direct version. It receives updates faster, and isn't limited by the App Store rules so we don't have to turn off features like installing command line tools and other useful things that Apple think people don't want.

In any case, we may not be able to post updates in the App Store forever - Apple keep changing the rules and although they accepted 1.5.3 after they added Sandboxing, we have no idea how many additional updates they'll accept beyond this - technically you're only allowed to post bugfixes to existing apps if they don't have sandboxing enabled, but sandboxing breaks a number of features. So, updates may stop on the App Store at any time (they haven't even reviewed any of our updates for a month, 1.5.4 was never looked at and 1.5.5 is now awaiting their pleasure).

The App Store was a great idea, but the latest changes basically break it for power tools, that's why a number of those kinds of apps have left it in recent months.

[David Potter]

Thanks for the very complete message. That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for trying the App Store route. I'll download from your site and keep moving :-).