Technology

What is the difference between msi and exe?

The main difference between msi and exe is that msi files are used for Windows installers but exe files can be used for both installing and running application programs. msi is the file extension of MSI file which is a Compressed package of installer files and all the information needed to install, change, store, and remove particular software. The exe is the file extension for an executable file that contains lines of instructions or code that can be executed directly by an operating system such as Windows. 

There are various types of files on a computer with different functionalities. msi and exe are two file extensions. The msi file extension is used for a Windows installer. It is a package with all the files to install, change and remove a software. It mainly refers to Microsoft installers. On the other hand, exe is a file extension for an executable file. It is a file that executes a set of instructions when executed. In other words, it is a program that is executed.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is msi
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is exe
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the difference between msi and exe?
     – Comparison of key differences

what is msi

The msi is the file extension for MSI files. They are Windows installers. An MSI file is a compressed package of installation files. It consists of all information regarding the addition, modification, storage or removal of the respective software. The MSI file includes data, instructions, processes, and plugins that are necessary for the application to work normally.

Software developers choose MSI over EXE to build the installer for their application because they are easier to build. Furthermore, they also reduce coding time and efforts.

What is exe

The exe is a file extension of an executable file. An executable file executes a set of instructions or code when opened. An executable file is compiled from source code to binary code. It can be executed directly by the Windows operating system. These files are machine understandable and can be executed directly by the operating system. Since executable files execute some kind of code when they are opened, users should be aware of this when opening executable files received via emails. Quite simply, an executable file with an exe extension is a program that runs.

What is the difference between msi and exe?

Definition

msi is a file extension for Windows Installer which is a Microsoft Windows software component used for software installation, maintenance, and removal. Whereas, exe is a file extension of an executable file that performs the stated tasks according to encoded instructions. 

Use

The main difference between msi and exe is their usage. msi files are used for windows installers. The exe files can be used to install and to run application programs.

conclusion

msi is the file extension of the MSI file which is a compressed package of installer files, containing all the information needed to add, change, store and remove a particular software. exe is the file extension for an executable file that contains lines of instructions or code that can be executed directly by the operating system, such as Windows. That is the difference between msi and exe.

Mohammad Asif Goraya

M A Goraya has qualification of M.phil in Agricultural Sciences. He has almost 15 years of teaching Experience at college and university level. He likes to share his research based knowledge with his students and audience.

Recent Posts

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

Main Difference - Summary vs Conclusion Summary and conclusion are two terms that are often…

1 year ago

Difference between Moth and Butterfly

Difference between moth and butterfly fall into two categories: anatomical and behavioral. Most moths are…

1 year ago

Difference Between Architect and Engineer

An engineer is a person whose job is to design and build engines, machines, roads,…

2 years ago

Difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web

Internet is the term used to identify the massive interconnection of computer networks around the…

2 years ago

Difference Between CD-R and CD-RW

A CD-R is a type of disc that does not contain any data. It is blank…

2 years ago

Difference between x86 and x64

Computing technologies are constantly evolving, and if we base our predictions on Moore's Law, they…

2 years ago