I've recently seen a release of a DAW on a sister site that was portable — it could be run without installing, if it isn't obvious.

My question is, how does the one create a distribution from all the file structure into a portable one? I'm talking about the file structure like program.exe, App/, etc. or something like this.

For example, to this day I run the iZotope RX10 portable version and it's a masterpiece. I really don't understand why programs aren't done this way anymore...

Is there a tutorial or resource for this?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_portable_application_creators

 

You have got stuff on the internet how to do this. I did portable Cubase VST32 some time ago. I will find “a recipe” and post it to you.

 

(Windows) Use a tool to monitor changes to the registry and file system during regular installation. Store all post-installation files in a central folder. Write an installer that "re-plays" the changes made to the registry and file system, but create symlinks to your central folder instead of copying files around.