LiquidLauncher features a robust automatic update system that keeps both the launcher application and game builds up to date.
Launcher Updates
The launcher uses Tauri’s built-in updater plugin to automatically check for and install updates.
Configuration
The updater is configured in tauri.conf.json:
{
"plugins": {
"updater": {
"pubkey": "dW50cnVzdGVkIGNvbW1lbnQ6IG1pbmlzaWduIHB1YmxpYyBrZXk6IEU1QkM5MTlDREQ4NkEzNjMKUldSam80YmRuSkc4NVNxS2MzYVZPN1I4a283RkdsS0lPTjVjRWlxQ1JhdzFZUkRtc0c1eEtqSzQK",
"endpoints": [
"https://github.com/CCBlueX/LiquidLauncher/releases/latest/download/latest.json",
"https://api.liquidbounce.net/api/v1/launcher/releases/{{target}}/{{current_version}}"
]
}
}
}
The updater uses createUpdaterArtifacts: "v1Compatible" to generate update manifests compatible with Tauri v1.
Update Endpoints
The launcher checks for updates from two sources:
GitHub Releases
Primary endpoint that fetches the latest release from GitHubhttps://github.com/CCBlueX/LiquidLauncher/releases/latest/download/latest.json
LiquidBounce API
Fallback endpoint that provides platform-specific updateshttps://api.liquidbounce.net/api/v1/launcher/releases/{{target}}/{{current_version}}
{{target}} - Platform target (e.g., windows-x86_64, linux-x86_64){{current_version}} - Current launcher version
Update Process
How updates are installed
- Check for Updates: On launch, the updater queries configured endpoints
- Version Comparison: Compares current version with latest available
- Download: If newer version exists, downloads update package
- Verification: Validates signature using the public key
- Install: Applies update and restarts the launcher
Build Updates
Game builds are automatically fetched from the LiquidBounce API.
API Structure
The launcher communicates with multiple API endpoints defined in client_api.rs:33-41:
src-tauri/src/app/client_api.rs
pub const LAUNCHER_API: [&str; 3] = [
"https://api.liquidbounce.net",
"https://api.ccbluex.net",
// Non-secure connection requires additional confirmation
"http://nossl.api.liquidbounce.net",
];
The launcher automatically falls back to alternative endpoints if the primary is unavailable.
Fetching Builds
Builds are fetched using the client API:
src-tauri/src/app/client_api.rs
/// Request all builds of branch
pub async fn builds_by_branch(&self, branch: &str, release: bool) -> Result<Vec<Build>> {
self.request_from_endpoint(API_V1, &if release {
format!("version/builds/{}/release", branch)
} else {
format!("version/builds/{}", branch)
})
.await
}
#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize, Clone)]
pub struct Build {
pub build_id: u32,
pub commit_id: String,
pub branch: String,
pub subsystem: String,
pub lb_version: String,
pub mc_version: String,
pub release: bool,
pub date: DateTime<Utc>,
pub message: String,
pub url: String,
pub jre_distribution: JavaDistribution,
pub jre_version: u32,
pub subsystem_specific_data: SubsystemSpecificData,
}
Launch Manifest
Before launching, the launcher fetches a complete launch manifest:
src-tauri/src/app/client_api.rs
/// Request launch manifest of specific build
pub async fn fetch_launch_manifest(&self, build_id: u32) -> Result<LaunchManifest> {
self.request_from_endpoint(API_V1, &format!("version/launch/{}", build_id))
.await
}
- Build information
- Required mods and dependencies
- Repository URLs for mod downloads
- Subsystem configuration (Fabric/Forge)
Retry Logic
All API requests use exponential backoff for reliability:
src-tauri/src/app/gui/commands/client.rs
let builds = (|| async { client.builds_by_branch(branch, release).await })
.retry(ExponentialBuilder::default())
.notify(|err, dur| {
warn!("Failed to request builds. Retrying in {:?}. Error: {}", dur, err);
})
.await
.map_err(|e| format!("unable to request builds: {:?}", e))?;
This ensures the launcher remains functional even with temporary network issues.
Security
Signature Verification
Launcher updates are cryptographically signed and verified using the public key in the configuration.
HTTPS Enforcement
The API endpoints prioritize HTTPS connections. HTTP fallback requires user confirmation:
src-tauri/src/app/client_api.rs
let is_secure = endpoint.starts_with("https://");
if !is_secure {
warn!("Falling back to Non-SSL '{}' endpoint.", endpoint);
}
Version Selection
Learn about selecting branches and builds
Java Management
Automatic Java runtime updates
