Package Dependency AppXManifest Issue

Question

I'm trying to create a Framework package that I can integrate and run in other Metro C++ apps, but I'm running into an issue when writing the AppXManifest.xml, which currently looks like this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Package xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/2010/manifest">
  <Identity Name="PackageTest1" 
            Version="6.2.0.0" 
            Publisher="___"/>
  <Properties>
    <DisplayName>PackageTest1</DisplayName>
    <PublisherDisplayName>Me</PublisherDisplayName>
    <Logo>Logo.png</Logo>
    <Framework>true</Framework>
  </Properties>
  <Prerequisites>
    <OSMinVersion>6.2.0</OSMinVersion>
    <OSMaxVersionTested>6.2.0</OSMaxVersionTested>
  </Prerequisites>
  <Resources>
    <Resource Language="en-us" />
  </Resources>
</Package>

For some reason I'm seeing this error;

error APPX1605: At least one Application element must be defined in the app manifest.c:\Users\___\documents\visual studio 2012\Projects\PackageTest1\PackageTest1\AppXManifest.xml

I'm confused because the documentation here says a framework package cannot define an 'Application' node. Any ideas?

Edit: I'm currently on 8400 x64 with VS 11.0.50522.1 RCREL

Answer 1

Could you elaborate on what you envisioned doing with a Framework package? Is it for your personal use or were you planning to share it with others in some fashion?

Thanks!

---

David Lamb

Answer 2

I have some common functionality for the Charm bar that I want any Metro app to be able to use (not just for personal use). If I understand how app packaging works correctly, I want to package this code as a separate Framework package AppX, which my other apps will be able to use via manifest PackageDependency.

I've been following this for making the Framework package, and this for using the package, but I'm having the issue I posted above. Is my syntax correct, or am I missing something?

Answer 3

As 3rd party framework packages will not be allowed in the Store, I'm not sure any other scenario usage guidance or documentation has been released as yet. I'm checking...

---

David Lamb

Answer 4

In that case, is there an approach I can take to achieve that effect? My goal is to reduce the amount of code I need to bundle with each app. Ideally I'd like a way to abstract away all common functionality into a separate component (i.e. with search/share functionality via Charm Bar), that way every subsequent App I write can call this separate component.

Answer 5

In your case, it sounds as if you would want to build a Windows Runtime Component project for your shared code. Each Appx package uploaded to the store would need to have its own copy of the component. The benefit is each Metro style app will be completely functional and unaffected by an addition or removal of any other package.

---

David Lamb

Answer 6

So to clarify, there is no way for me to write a Metro style app with the functionality I want to share (i.e. search/share), and to specify this app as a dependency for all other apps I write? I'm a little confused because it seems like the <PackageDependency> tags in the manifest were made for this.

Edit: Also, I'm looking to be able to change the shared component without having to update each and every single App I write that uses that component.

Answer 7

Sorry for the bump, this is very critical for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 8

Like David said, you will need to include the component separately with each app.

There is no means provided for shared custom components.

PackageDependency is used for dependencies on system packages (like VCLibs and WinJS, which are already included on the system). You cannot create a custom framework package to include PackageDependency.

--Rob

Answer 9

The “Framework field” in Package Identity is reserved for Windows Component Libraries such as WinJS, CRT, PlayReady DRM. For any dependencies/libraries that you have or are building, you will need to include the DLLs, WinRT objects, code within the package for your app.

You can only submit an app Appx package to the Store.

I really appreciate your feedback on the servicing scenario and will make certain that request is noted.

---

David Lamb