[Feature Request] - Add a Pkginfo Key to skip update check

[tbcahill]

Add a Pkginfo Key to skip update check when installing an app.

The update check that is performed prior to installing an app slows down the time take for the install to start. This is not an issue for most apps however for some items (simple nopkg scrpts / adding a printer) the delay is very noticable.

Munki checks for updates regularly so skipping the update check for some items shouldn't cause any issues.

Woudl it be possible to add an optional Pkginfo Key for this so that the check can be configured on a per item basis?

[gregneagle]

A pkginfo key would not tell Munki to skip an update check, as it is during the update check phase that Munki gets catalogs (and reads pkginfo).

I think you need to better describe your scenario: what you are doing, what is happening, and what you think should be happening. I think I have a few guesses as to exactly what you are hinting at, but I'd rather not guess.

When you select an an app for install from optional installs, the "update check" causes the app to be downloaded, and also checks for and downloads any items in the "requires" array, and/or any items that declare they are an "update_for" the selected item.

I think you might be suggesting that Munki could skip the check if 1) The item is a nopkg, 2) it has no requires array, and 3) No items declare they are update_for the selected item. And you'd probably be right. But now that's a bunch more code to write and test for a very specific scenario (one I don't personally use). So it's not likely to be high on my list of things to work on any time soon.

If someone else wants to tackle it, I'll be happy to look at their work.

[tbcahill]

Yes, the specific app that I'd like to skip the update check for is a nopkg that temporarily elevates a standard user's permissions - the update check means that the user needs to sit & wait for a short ammount of time before getting on with the task that they need admin permissions for - I was hoping to be able to remove the delay.

I was under the impression that Munki cached the catalog/manifest data & app installers locally, then update check retrieved any changes since the last check - But it makes sense that the the update check is when Munki reads the pkginfo & only downloads app installers when needed.

Thanks for clarifying.