NS/Stick

NS/Stick is a term primarily used within the Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) scripting language. It refers to a set of helper functions and macros designed to simplify the process of creating and managing persistent settings and data within an installer. It allows developers to easily store information, such as user preferences or installation status, in the Windows Registry or in files, ensuring that the data persists across multiple installations or sessions.

The "NS" prefix indicates that these are functions and macros specific to the NSIS scripting language, differentiating them from built-in functions or those provided by other plugins. The "Stick" portion suggests that the data "sticks" around after the installer has finished running, remaining available for future use.

Using NS/Stick enables installers to:

• Remember User Choices: Track user-selected options during installation (e.g., components to install, installation directory) and restore them if the installer is re-run or an update is performed.
• Store Application Settings: Store application-specific settings within the registry or files, allowing the application to retrieve them on startup.
• Implement Uninstallers that Preserve Settings: Ensure that an uninstaller can selectively remove the application while preserving user settings, providing a cleaner uninstall experience.
• Manage Installation State: Store information about the installation process, such as whether an update has been applied or if specific components have been installed successfully.

NS/Stick provides a higher-level abstraction layer for interacting with the Windows Registry and file system, streamlining the management of persistent data within NSIS installers. It typically involves functions to write, read, and delete data, along with macros to simplify common tasks such as creating registry keys or handling potential errors.