Compiling for macOS as application bundle

[Megumi]

When STEP Bible 24.10.9  (stepbible_24_10_9.dmg) was released for macOS, I requested for it to be compiled as an application bundle (not as a folder full of many files), as per the standard expectation on macOS platform. The response was quick and stepbible_macos_24_10_9.dmg was released, which installed the STEP Bible as an application bundle beautifully. It has worked flawlessly ever since, and I have never felt the need to check for an update until today, when I noticed that there have been several new versions. So, I downloaded what seemed like the latest version, stepbible_macos_26_1_2.dmg, and I was disappointed that the installer placed a file full of many files, instead of an application bundle.

I understand that the tool used by the developer warns against compiling as an application bundle, but I do not know what the basis of the warning is. I would like it to be understood by the developers that distributing a program in any other way than as an application bundle is most decidedly contrary for macOS platform. If it must be insisted to compile and distribute as a folder full of files, then PLEASE at least distribute the alternative as an application bundle! As it was done for v. 24.10.9, I suggest that the two can be distributed separately as stepbible_y_v_i.dmg (folder of files) and stepbible_macos_y_v_i.dmg (application bundle).

[Mark Cannon]

Thank you for posting this. I have forwarded it on to our programming team. 

Mark Cannon

feed...@stepbible.org
STEPBible -- Scripture Tools for Every Person

[Megumi]

It has been a week since my request, and I have not received any satisfactory response to address my request/question/concern, except one private email telling me that I was the only person asking this, and questioning why I need it, to which I replied that on macOS platform, the standard is for all applications to be made and distributed as application bundles and that even if I was the only one asking, if STEPBible is distributed 'for macOS', then it should be made to conform to the guidelines set by Apple for macOS environment. 

Personally, I am staying with v.24.10.9 (which was made available as an application bundle), hoping for the future versions to be made properly for macOS platform.