What are the most important considerations when selecting Mobile CI/CD tools for continuous delivery?

1 Platform compatibility

One of the first considerations when choosing mobile CI/CD tools is the compatibility with the platforms that you are targeting. Mobile apps can run on different operating systems, such as iOS, Android, Windows, or web browsers, and each platform has its own requirements and limitations. For example, iOS apps require a Mac machine to build and sign the code, while Android apps can use any operating system. Therefore, you need to select tools that can support the platforms that you need, either by providing native support, cross-platform capabilities, or cloud-based services.

2 Testing capabilities

Another important consideration when selecting mobile CI/CD tools is the testing capabilities that they offer. Testing is a crucial part of ensuring the quality and functionality of your mobile apps, and it can involve different types of tests, such as unit tests, integration tests, UI tests, performance tests, or security tests. You need to select tools that can run the tests that you need, either by integrating with existing testing frameworks, providing built-in testing features, or allowing custom scripts. Moreover, you need to select tools that can run the tests on different devices and configurations, either by using simulators, emulators, or real devices.

3 Deployment options

A third important consideration when selecting mobile CI/CD tools is the deployment options that they provide. Deployment is the process of delivering your mobile apps to the end-users, either through app stores, beta testing platforms, or direct downloads. You need to select tools that can automate the deployment process, either by integrating with the app store APIs, providing built-in deployment features, or allowing custom scripts. Furthermore, you need to select tools that can support the deployment strategies that you want, such as blue-green deployment, canary release, or feature flags.

4 Scalability and reliability

A fourth important consideration when selecting mobile CI/CD tools is the scalability and reliability that they offer. Scalability refers to the ability of the tools to handle increasing workloads and demands, such as more builds, tests, or deployments. Reliability refers to the ability of the tools to perform consistently and avoid errors or failures. You need to select tools that can scale and adapt to your needs, either by providing flexible pricing plans, elastic resources, or parallel execution. Additionally, you need to select tools that can ensure high availability, security, and performance, either by using best practices, monitoring features, or backup solutions.

5 Customizability and extensibility

A fifth important consideration when selecting mobile CI/CD tools is the customizability and extensibility that they allow. Customizability refers to the ability of the tools to adapt to your specific needs and preferences, such as workflows, notifications, or reports. Extensibility refers to the ability of the tools to integrate with other tools and services that you use, such as code repositories, project management tools, or analytics platforms. You need to select tools that can customize and extend your mobile CI/CD pipeline, either by providing configuration options, plugins, or APIs.

6 User experience and support

A sixth important consideration when selecting mobile CI/CD tools is the user experience and support that they provide. User experience refers to the ease of use, intuitiveness, and functionality of the tools, as well as the documentation and tutorials that they offer. Support refers to the assistance and guidance that the tools provide, either through customer service, community forums, or feedback channels. You need to select tools that can enhance your user experience and support, either by providing user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive documentation, or responsive support.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?