this post was submitted on 20 Feb 2024
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I'd agree, but the caveat is that github is primarily about an interface for source control and collaboration between developers for projects. The release page is really just an also-ran in terms of importance.
Imo they aren't even trying, because it's not that hard to make it better. Doesn't even have to be a compromise. Most people just need a visible download button for the programs, that's all.
If that's a concern for the project maintainers, they should create a homepage for the project with download links.
Or make a shortcut/link in the readme to the newest release of the most popular OS's.
A decent release page tends to contain all kinds of files for different OS, so 'regular' people who just want the .deb or .exe would likely become confused regardless.
I mean, if you don't even know what OS you're on...
Next you're going to tell me cars need boosters so babies can reach the pedals... At a certain point, it becomes irresponsible to enable ignorance.
Imagine how many download buttons would be if Github had ads.
SourceForge had a better UX for those who just want to download software.
And SF is horrible, so this says a lot.
There is, it's literally right there on the home page of the project. You can either copy a URL and download it by cloning the git repo, or you can download the whole project as a zip file. Then you just have to compile it!
GitHub is for developers, not end users.
It's not a compromise to make another download button for the last release as well. No one looses.
That's not a download button for the program. But there is indeed a link to the release page right on the home page of the project, so you're still correct.