The Windows Installer XML Toolset is a set of tools for building Windows Installer (MSI) packages, using XML to describe the installer. The WiX toolset supports a command line environment, which you can integrate into your own build processes in order to build MSI and MSM setup packages.
WiX Toolset can be used to construct Windows Installer packages using the same build concepts as the rest of your product. The source code is compiled and then linked to create executables; .exe setup bundles, .MSI installation packages, .MSM merge modules, and .MSP patches.
WiX Toolset also comes loaded with numerous extensions, which provide functionality beyond that of Windows Installer. For instance, WiX Toolset can be utilized to create SQL Server databases, install IIS web sites, and register exceptions in the Windows Firewall.
The WiX bootstrapper, Burn, can be used to create setup bundles, which install essential requirements, such as the .NET Framework alongside your own product. With Burn you can download packages or combine them into a single downloadable .Exe.
