[Interest] Qt "Desktop App" for Microsoft Store

[Robert Iakobashvili]

> On 2 May 2017 at 08:02, Robert Iakobashvili <coroberti at gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Tue, May 2, 2017 at 9:50 AM, Maurice Kalinowski
>> <Maurice.Kalinowski at qt.io> wrote:
>>> Hi,
>>> As mentioned below, you cannot “just” push a desktop app (in Microsoft
>>> terminology “classic application”) to the windows store. It has to be a
>>> Universal App (what was declared WinRT once). If you are using Qt already,
>>> the easiest is to recompile your application against Qt for WinRT and push
>>> the generated appx.
>>>
>>> If however you still need a classic application, then you will need to jump
>>> on Project Centennial and get your project converted. Please note, that
>>> Project Centennial only converts your app, it might also remove features
>>> which are not allowed for store applications (eg. regular file access). So
>>> you will need to do extensive testing before publication. A reason to use
>>> this approach might be non-ported dependency libraries.
>>> From what we heard, the conversion is troublesome and complicated, not only
>>> for Qt applications. In addition you are in a semi-supported hybrid state.
>>> The recommendation is to first try Qt for WinRT and report if there are any
>>> issues for you.
>>> BR,
>>>
>>> Maurice
>>
>> Hi Maurice,
>> Thank you for the valued information and experience shared.
>>
>>> it might also remove features
>>> which are not allowed for store applications (eg. regular file access).
>>
>> Is it correct to say that a Store app cannot be an editor opening
>> files in any location permitted,
>> writing texts, Save As for the files etc. - complete sand-boxing like at iOS?
>>
>> Is there a way to get permissions to function as a simple editor?
>>
>> Is there Clipboard text/image exchange still allowed?

On Wed, May 3, 2017 at 1:03 PM, Ian Clark <mrrooster at gmail.com> wrote:
> On 2 May 2017 at 08:02, Robert Iakobashvili <coroberti at gmail.com> wrote:
> [snip]
>>
>> Is it correct to say that a Store app cannot be an editor opening
>> files in any location permitted,
>> writing texts, Save As for the files etc. - complete sand-boxing like at iOS?
>>
> It depends on the app type.
>
> Apps built for the Windows runtime (WinRT apps) are heavily sandboxed
> and restricted.
>
> Classic 'desktop' apps converted for the store have fewer
> restrictions, and behave almost like their desktop counterparts.
>
> The restrictions on converted Win32 apps are outlined in more detail:
>
> https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/porting/desktop-to-uwp-behind-the-scenes
>
>> Is there a way to get permissions to function as a simple editor?
>>
> Coincidentally, the app I'm currently trying to submit is a text editor.
>
> My converted app installed and running locally is able to access all
> the files that the standard desktop build can.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Ian

Dear Ian,
Thank you very much for your valued input clarifying this important
point of file and Clipboard access.

Kind regards,
Robert