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.
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.
SourceForge had a better UX for those who just want to download software.
And SF is horrible, so this says a lot.