Appcircle Testing Distribution

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Appcircle simplifies the distribution of builds to test teams with an extensive platform for managing and tracking applications, versions, testers, and teams. Appcircle integrates with enterprise authentication mechanisms such as LDAP and SSO, ensuring secure distribution of testing packages. Learn more about Appcircle testing distribution. Learn more about Appcircle testing distribution

Appcircle's test distribution extension enables developers to create test groups and share builds with them, utilizing enterprise-grade authentication methods. With the Fastlane plugin, this module will be accessible directly fastlane actions.

Exploring Testing Distribution

Testing distribution is the process of distributing test builds to designated test groups or individuals. This process allows developers to gather quick feedback, identify bugs, and ensure the quality of software applications before releasing them to customers. Appcircle's test distribution module enables developers to create test groups and share builds with them, utilizing enterprise-grade authentication methods.

Benefits of Using Testing Distribution

  1. Simplified Binary Distribution.
    • Skip Traditional Stores: Share .xcarchive .IPA, APK, AAB, Zip, files directly, avoiding the need to use App Store TestFlight or Google Play Internal Testing.
  2. Streamlined Workflow:
    • Automated Processes: Platforms like Appcircle automate the distribution process, saving time and reducing manual effort.
    • Seamless Integration: Integrates smoothly with existing DevOps pipelines, enabling efficient build and distribution workflows.
  3. Enhanced Security:
    • Controlled Access: Set specific permissions for who can access the test builds using enterprise authentication methods such as LDAP & SSO.
    • Confidentiality: Ensures that only authorized testers have access to the builds, protecting sensitive information.
  4. Efficient Resource Management:
    • Targeted Testing: Allows the creation of specific test groups, ensuring that the right people are testing the right features.
    • Optimized Testing: Helps in allocating resources effectively, leading to better utilization of testing resources.
  5. Reduced Time to Market:
    • Eliminates Approval Delays: By bypassing store approval processes, developers can distribute builds directly to testers, speeding up the testing cycle.
    • Continuous Delivery: Supports continuous delivery practices, enabling faster iterations and quicker releases.
  6. Faster Feedback Loop:
    • Quick Issue Identification: Distributing test builds quickly allows developers to gather immediate feedback, identify bugs, and address issues early in the development cycle.
    • Improved Quality: Continuous testing helps ensure the software meets quality standards before release, reducing the likelihood of post-release issues.
  7. Cost-Effective:
    • Reduced Overheads: Automating the distribution reduces the need for manual intervention, cutting down operational costs.
    • Efficient Bug Fixes: Early detection and fixing of bugs prevent costly fixes later in the development process.
  8. Enhanced User Experience:
    • Better Quality Control: Ensures that end users receive a more stable and polished product.
    • Customer Satisfaction: By delivering higher quality software, customer satisfaction and trust in the product increase.

Overall, using testing distribution in mobile DevOps significantly enhances the efficiency, security, and effectiveness of the software development process, leading to better products and faster delivery times.

System Requirements

Compatible Agents:

  • macOS 14.2, 14.5

Supported Version:

  • Fastlane 2.222.0
  • Ruby 3.2.2

Note: Currently, plugins are only compatible to use with Appcircle Cloud. Self-hosted support will be available in future releases.

Testing Distribution

In order to share your builds with testers, you can create distribution profiles and assign testing groups to the distribution profiles.

Distribution Profile

Generating/Managing the Personal API Tokens

To generate a Personal API Token, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the My Organization screen (the second option at the bottom left).
  2. You'll find the Personal API Token section in the top right corner.
  3. Press the "Generate Token" button to generate your first token.

Token Generation

Getting Started with the Extension: Usage Guide

To share your builds with testers, you can create distribution profiles and assign testing groups to these profiles.

This project is a fastlane plugin. To get started with fastlane-plugin-appcircle_testing_distribution, add it to your project by running:

fastlane add_plugin appcircle_testing_distribution

  appcircle_testing_distribution(
    personalAPIToken: "$(AC_PERSONAL_API_TOKEN)",
    profileName: "$(AC_PROFILE_NAME)",
    createProfileIfNotExists: Boolean,
    appPath: "$(AC_APP_PATH)",
    message: "$(AC_MESSAGE)",
  )
  • personalAPIToken: The Appcircle Personal API token is utilized to authenticate and secure access to Appcircle services, ensuring that only authorized users can perform actions within the platform.
  • profileName: Specifies the profile that will be used for uploading the app.
  • createProfileIfNotExists: Ensures that a user profile is automatically created if it does not already exist; if the profile name already exists, the app will be uploaded to that existing profile instead.
  • appPath: Indicates the file path to the application that will be uploaded to Appcircle Testing Distribution Profile.
  • message: Your message to testers, ensuring they receive important updates and information regarding the application.

Leveraging Environment Variables

Utilize environment variables seamlessly by substituting the parameters with $(VARIABLE_NAME) in your task inputs. The extension automatically retrieves values from the specified environment variables within your pipeline.

Ensure that this action is added after build steps have been completed.

If multiple workflows start simultaneously, the order in which versions are shared in the Testing Distribution is determined by the execution order of the publish step. The version that completes its build and triggers the publish plugin first will be shared first, followed by the others in sequence.

Efficiently distribute test binaries or beta versions using Appcircle, featuring seamless IPA and APK distribution capabilities. Streamline your testing process with our versatile tool designed to optimize your distribution workflow. If you need support or more information, please contact us

Issues and Feedback

For any other issues and feedback about this plugin, please submit it to this repository.

Troubleshooting

If you have trouble using plugins, check out the Plugins Troubleshooting guide.

Reference