TIS_RMS/frontend/INSTALL.md

TIS RMS Installation & Deployment Guide

This guide provides instructions for installing, building, and running the TIS RMS frontend client on Android and Windows devices.

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1. Android Installation (Split & Universal APKs)

The Android application is distributed in architecture-specific split APKs (for smaller download size and faster performance) as well as a universal APK:

Available APKs:

APK File	Architecture	Description
TIS_RMS_64_v<version>.apk	64-bit ARM (arm64-v8a)	Recommended. Best performance and smallest size (~40% smaller) for modern Android phones and tablets.
TIS_RMS_32bit_v<version>.apk	32-bit ARM (armeabi-v7a)	Optimized for older or entry-level 32-bit Android devices.
TIS_RMS_Universal_v<version>.apk	Universal (32-bit & 64-bit)	Single standalone installer containing all native architectures (runs on all Android 7.0+ devices).

Build Commands (Flutter):

A. Build Split APKs (Generates 32-bit & 64-bit standalone APKs):

cd frontend
flutter build apk --release --split-per-abi --obfuscate --split-debug-info=build/app/outputs/symbols

Outputs located in frontend/build/app/outputs/flutter-apk/:

• app-arm64-v8a-release.apk → TIS_RMS_64_v<version>.apk
• app-armeabi-v7a-release.apk → TIS_RMS_32bit_v<version>.apk

B. Build Universal APK (Contains all architectures):

cd frontend
flutter build apk --release --obfuscate --split-debug-info=build/app/outputs/symbols

Output located in frontend/build/app/outputs/flutter-apk/:

• app-release.apk → TIS_RMS_Universal_v<version>.apk

Installation Steps:

1. Transfer the matching APK (TIS_RMS_64_v<version>.apk for modern devices, TIS_RMS_32bit_v<version>.apk for older devices, or TIS_RMS_Universal_v<version>.apk) to your Android device (via USB, local network share, or download).
2. Tap the .apk file in your file manager.
3. If prompted, enable "Install unknown apps" or "Allow from this source" in Android Settings.
4. Tap Install and open the app.
5. On startup, the app will automatically scan the local Wi-Fi/LAN for the TIS RMS server (port 18484) or connect to the secure tunnel domain (https://tis-rms.cc.cd/api).

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2. Windows Desktop Installation

The Windows client runs natively on Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit).

Prerequisites:

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64) (Core runtime libraries vcruntime140_1.dll, msvcp140.dll, etc. are bundled directly with the release binaries; the installer also automatically installs the full redistributable if missing).
• Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0/8.0+ (x64) (automatically detected and installed silently by setup if missing).

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A. Building the Size-Optimized Windows Release

cd frontend

# 1. Clean previous build artifacts
flutter clean
flutter pub get

# 2. Compile release build with tree shaking and symbols splitting
flutter build windows --release --obfuscate --split-debug-info=build/windows/symbols

Output binaries will be placed in build\windows\x64\runner\Release\.

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B. Compiling the Windows Inno Setup Installer (TIS_RMS_Client.iss)

The installer script frontend/TIS_RMS_Client.iss packages the app into an ultra-compact standalone setup file (TIS_RMS_Client_Setup_v<version>.exe ~16.7 MB).

Features:

• Small File Size (~17 MB): Uses lzma2/ultra64 solid 64MB dictionary compression.
• Bundled VC++ Runtime DLLs: Packages MSVC CRT libraries (vcruntime140.dll, vcruntime140_1.dll, msvcp140.dll, etc.) directly into the application folder to prevent missing DLL crashes.
• Automated VC++ & .NET Runtime Setup: Checks system registry and automatically installs Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable and Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime silently if missing.
• Selectable Destination Path: Lets the user choose where to install (defaults to C:\Program Files\TIS RMS Client).
• Desktop Shortcut Checkbox: Optional checkbox on the tasks page to create a desktop shortcut with the official school icon logo.
• Start Menu & Uninstaller: Registers a Start Menu program group and includes a clean uninstaller in Windows Apps & Features / Settings.
• No Auto-Start: Does not create startup registry keys or background launch on boot.

Compiling with Inno Setup CLI:

# Using Inno Setup Command Line Compiler (ISCC)
& "C:\Program Files (x86)\Inno Setup 6\ISCC.exe" frontend\TIS_RMS_Client.iss

The compiled installer will be saved to installers/TIS_RMS_Client_Setup_v<version>.exe (e.g., installers/TIS_RMS_Client_Setup_v1.0.0.exe).

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C. Running Portable / Standalone (Without Installing):

1. Navigate to build\windows\x64\runner\Release\ or extract TIS_RMS_Client_Windows_x64.zip.
2. Double-click frontend.exe.
3. (Optional) Right-click frontend.exe -> Send to -> Desktop (create shortcut).

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3. Server Discovery & Network Connectivity

When launching TIS RMS on either platform:

1. Local LAN Scan: The app automatically searches your local subnet on port 18484 for ultra-fast local server response.
2. Tunnel Domain Fallback: If you are outside the local network, the app automatically switches to the cloud tunnel domain (https://tis-rms.cc.cd/api).
3. Manual Server Selection: You can tap the server icon at the top of the Login Screen anytime to specify a custom server IP or domain.