Features

The FeatureComponent table lists the components assigned to a particular feature.

Think of a feature as a grouping of components that can be selected or deselected for installation. by the installing user. If you are installing an application such a Microsoft Office, every option that you can select or deselect represents a feature.

Features are nested as well. In the graphic below, “Help for Wordperfect Users” is a nested feature of “Help” whereas, “Help” is a nested feature of “Microsoft Office Word”

Every MSI must have at least one feature. Although it’s easy to think of a feature as something selectable at install time, there can actually be hidden features who have a behaviour that can’t be controlled at all.