The programmer needs to keep track of changed resources and copy them to an update document, including 'CODE' resources. The update document—probably being a ResEdit or Resorcerer file, depending on your preference—needs to be made into a BetaHelper document by changing the file type to 'UpDt', with a creator code of 'ßHlp'.
The 'BETA' resource and template:
The next step is to create a resource named 'BETA'. This, however, is only necessary if you need to provide additional information to this utility, or just to make things smoother for the beta tester. The resource ID can be any number; just don't create more than one 'BETA' resource per update file. A template for this resource is provided for your convenience.
Display types in dialog:
The first field of the 'BETA' resource should hold the file type of the software to be updated; usually 'APPL'. This is to make it easier for the user to find the right file, since only 'APPL' file types will then be displayed in the find file dialog. E.g. if you want to update a 'cdev' you enter that in the "Display types" field. If you don't provide a 'BETA' resource, or leave this field empty, all files types will be displayed.
Type after update:
The next field is used only if you want to change the file type of the software under development, e.g. change a desk accessory into an application. If this is not the case, leave this field empty.
Creator after update:
The third field is used only if you want to change the creator code of the software under development. This is rarely necessary, so this field is most often left empty.
Finder flags after update:
If you, for some reason, need to manipulate the finder flags of the software your updating, this is the field for it. A value of $00 00, however, will ensure that the current finder flags are left untouched.
Name after update:
Be sure to put the name and version number of the updated software here. It can be very difficult otherwise to keep track of what version the beta tester is testing.
Please, send comments and bug reports to N. Jonas Englund:
