How can I code WordPress plugin software updates?

Question

This question is probably suitable for all software updating. How does software updating normally work? I have developed a WordPress plugin and now I want to code the updating module. The plugin checks for new updates and if an update is available, the user is notified.

The easiest part is done. A hook to check for new updates is up and running and if a new version available, a notification is shown to the users.

Now comes the hardest part. The new version of the plugin is hosted in my server. Should I need to replace all the files with the new files or only the updated part. I will have a new version as a ZIP file. How can I implement this in WordPress?

Answer 1

The answer for the question is in Automatic Updates For Private And Commercial Plugins.

Answer 2

You should be uploading your plugin to the WordPress repository.

WordPress then tells your users about any updates and allows auto updating. Hosting it yourself is not a good way to do things.