CI-CD Pipeline for iOS and Android Apps : A Step-by-Step Guide

Implementing CI/CD for iOS/Android can spare you days typically spent on preparing app submissions, addressing critical bugs, and uploading screenshots to the App Store/Play Store. The process of releasing a mobile app varies from conventional methods of web application.

Below is a generic outline of the CI/CD pipeline for Android and iOS apps. Note that the tools and specific configurations may vary based on your project requirements.

?CI/CD Pipeline Stages and tools for Android and iOS Apps -

?1. Version Control

Use a version control system (e.g., Git) to manage your Android and iOS app code.

Kotlin is used for developing Android app and Swift is being used for iOS app .

2. Security Scanning

Use Checkmarx/MobSF for Static Analysis security testing.

Checkmarx SCA can be used for third party libraries scanning.

3. Signing and Build

Configure build jobs to compile code, run tests, and generate build artifacts (APK for Android, IPA for iOS).

Configure your Android project with Gradle and iOS project with Xcode for build automation. APK file need to signed using Android Studio and IPA file is signed using Xcode .

?4. Code Quality Checks

Integrate code quality checks using SonarQube for static code analysis.

5. Unit Testing

Tools: XCTest, XCUITest (iOS), Espresso, JUnit (Android)

Integrate testing into the CI pipeline to automatically run tests on each build.

6. Artifact Management

Store and manage build artifacts (APKs, IPAs) in a repository manager like Nexus.

7. Distribution

Distribute pre-release versions of your app to testers for feedback.

Use platform-specific tools like Beta tester for Android and TestFlight for iOS. You need to be register for paid subscription of App Store and Play Store respectively to use these tools .

Alternatively VS App Center can be used for internal app distribution within the organization

8. Deployment Automation

Use Fastlane for automating deployment tasks for iOS and Android, such as beta beta deployments and releases to the Apple App and Google Play Store.

9. Analytics and Crashlytics

For insight into app usage , crashed and performance details Firebase and VS App Center can be used .