Add Auto-Updater Feature to Application

[AprilNEA]

Description

We need to implement an auto-updater mechanism for our Tauri application to ensure users can seamlessly receive updates without manual intervention. This will improve user experience and help maintain the application with the latest features and security patches.

Feature Requirements

Core Functionality

• Automatic update checking on application startup
• Background update downloading
• User notification for available updates
• Secure update verification and installation
• Rollback capability in case of failed updates
• Manual update check option in the application menu

User Experience

• Non-intrusive update notifications
• Progress indicator during download/installation
• Option to postpone updates
• Automatic restart after successful update
• Graceful handling of network failures

Technical Implementation

Tauri Configuration

• Enable the updater feature in Cargo.toml
• Configure update endpoints in tauri.conf.json
• Set up proper signing keys for update verification

Backend Requirements

• Set up update server/CDN for hosting update files
• Implement update manifest generation
• Configure proper CORS headers
• Set up SSL certificates for secure downloads

Frontend Integration

• Create update notification UI components
• Implement update progress tracking
• Add user preference settings for update behavior

Acceptance Criteria

• Application checks for updates automatically on startup
• Users receive clear notifications when updates are available
• Updates download and install without breaking the application
• Update process works across all supported platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Failed updates don't corrupt the application
• Users can manually trigger update checks
• Update preferences can be configured by users
• All update communications are secure and verified

Technical Considerations

Security

• Implement signature verification for all updates
• Use HTTPS for all update-related communications
• Validate update packages before installation

Performance

• Implement incremental/delta updates to minimize download size
• Use background downloading to avoid blocking the UI
• Implement proper error handling and retry mechanisms

Platform Compatibility

• Ensure updater works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Handle platform-specific update mechanisms appropriately
• Test update process on all target platforms

Resources

• Tauri Updater Documentation
• Tauri Updater API Reference