Is it possible to generate a Delta update without using the build in update feature?

Hi,

I’ve been looking into using the delta update feature for a project I’m working on. I was wondering if it’s possible to use the feature that generates the delta update container without using the update feature. I’d instead like to be able to store the delta and fetch it using my own application.

Does anyone know if this is possible?

In general, deltas only exist as an artefact immediately after they’ve been generated – once they leave the local balenaEngine daemon there is currently no way to download them from a registry without also having them applied over the original source image to produce the original destination image. We have been thinking about improvements to make deltas more malleable and accessible but there’s nothing definite yet.

BTW, I’d be interested to hear more about your usecase if you can provide more details.