|
| 1 | +## Appcircle Testing Distribution |
| 2 | + |
| 3 | +Appcircle simplifies the distribution of builds to test teams with an extensive |
| 4 | +platform for managing and tracking applications, versions, testers, and teams. |
| 5 | +Appcircle integrates with enterprise authentication mechanisms such as LDAP and |
| 6 | +SSO, ensuring secure distribution of testing packages. Learn more about |
| 7 | +Appcircle testing distribution. Learn more about |
| 8 | +[Appcircle testing distribution](https://appcircle.io/testing-distribution?utm_source=github&utm_medium=plugin&utm_campaign=testing_distribution) |
| 9 | + |
| 10 | +Appcircle's test distribution extension enables developers to create test groups |
| 11 | +and share builds with them, utilizing enterprise-grade authentication methods. |
| 12 | +With the GitHub actions marketplace, this module will be accessible directly |
| 13 | +from the actions. |
| 14 | + |
| 15 | +## Exploring Testing Distribution |
| 16 | + |
| 17 | +Testing distribution is the process of distributing test builds to designated |
| 18 | +test groups or individuals. This process allows developers to gather quick |
| 19 | +feedback, identify bugs, and ensure the quality of software applications before |
| 20 | +releasing them to customers. Appcircle's test distribution module enables |
| 21 | +developers to create test groups and share builds with them, utilizing |
| 22 | +enterprise-grade authentication methods. |
| 23 | + |
| 24 | +## Benefits of Using Testing Distribution |
| 25 | + |
| 26 | +1. **Simplified Binary Distribution**. |
| 27 | + - **Skip Traditional Stores:** Share .xcarchive .IPA, APK, AAB, Zip, files |
| 28 | + directly, avoiding the need to use App Store TestFlight or Google Play |
| 29 | + Internal Testing. |
| 30 | +2. **Streamlined Workflow:** |
| 31 | + - **Automated Processes:** Platforms like Appcircle automate the distribution |
| 32 | + process, saving time and reducing manual effort. |
| 33 | + - **Seamless Integration:** Integrates smoothly with existing DevOps |
| 34 | + pipelines, enabling efficient build and distribution workflows. |
| 35 | +3. **Enhanced Security:** |
| 36 | + - **Controlled Access:** Set specific permissions for who can access the test |
| 37 | + builds using enterprise authentication methods such as LDAP & SSO. |
| 38 | + - **Confidentiality:** Ensures that only authorized testers have access to |
| 39 | + the builds, protecting sensitive information. |
| 40 | +4. **Efficient Resource Management:** |
| 41 | + - **Targeted Testing:** Allows the creation of specific test groups, ensuring |
| 42 | + that the right people are testing the right features. |
| 43 | + - **Optimized Testing:** Helps in allocating resources effectively, leading |
| 44 | + to better utilization of testing resources. |
| 45 | +5. **Reduced Time to Market:** |
| 46 | + - **Eliminates Approval Delays:** By bypassing store approval processes, |
| 47 | + developers can distribute builds directly to testers, speeding up the |
| 48 | + testing cycle. |
| 49 | + - **Continuous Delivery:** Supports continuous delivery practices, enabling |
| 50 | + faster iterations and quicker releases. |
| 51 | +6. **Faster Feedback Loop:** |
| 52 | + - **Quick Issue Identification:** Distributing test builds quickly allows |
| 53 | + developers to gather immediate feedback, identify bugs, and address issues |
| 54 | + early in the development cycle. |
| 55 | + - **Improved Quality:** Continuous testing helps ensure the software meets |
| 56 | + quality standards before release, reducing the likelihood of post-release |
| 57 | + issues. |
| 58 | +7. **Cost-Effective:** |
| 59 | + - **Reduced Overheads:** Automating the distribution reduces the need for |
| 60 | + manual intervention, cutting down operational costs. |
| 61 | + - **Efficient Bug Fixes:** Early detection and fixing of bugs prevent costly |
| 62 | + fixes later in the development process. |
| 63 | +8. **Enhanced User Experience:** |
| 64 | + - **Better Quality Control:** Ensures that end users receive a more stable |
| 65 | + and polished product. |
| 66 | + - **Customer Satisfaction:** By delivering higher quality software, customer |
| 67 | + satisfaction and trust in the product increase. |
| 68 | + |
| 69 | +Overall, using testing distribution in mobile DevOps significantly enhances the |
| 70 | +efficiency, security, and effectiveness of the software development process, |
| 71 | +leading to better products and faster delivery times. |
| 72 | + |
| 73 | +### Testing Distribution |
| 74 | + |
| 75 | +In order to share your builds with testers, you can create distribution profiles |
| 76 | +and assign testing groups to the distribution profiles. |
| 77 | + |
| 78 | + |
| 79 | + |
| 80 | +### Generating/Managing the Personal API Tokens |
| 81 | + |
| 82 | +To generate a Personal API Token, follow these steps: |
| 83 | + |
| 84 | +1. Go to the My Organization screen (the second option at the bottom left). |
| 85 | +2. You'll find the Personal API Token section in the top right corner. |
| 86 | +3. Press the "Generate Token" button to generate your first token. |
| 87 | + |
| 88 | + |
| 89 | + |
| 90 | +## Getting Started with the Action: Usage Guide |
| 91 | + |
| 92 | +To share your builds with testers, you can create distribution profiles and |
| 93 | +assign testing groups to these profiles. Add a step to your pipeline for 'Test |
| 94 | +Local Action' with the appropriate information. |
| 95 | + |
| 96 | +```yaml |
| 97 | +- name: Test Local Action |
| 98 | + id: testing-distribution |
| 99 | + uses: appcircleio/appcircle-testing-distribution-githubaction |
| 100 | + with: |
| 101 | + accessToken: ${{ secrets.AC_ACCESS_TOKEN }} # Your Appcircle Access Token |
| 102 | + profileID: ${{ secrets.AC_PROFILE_ID }} # ID of your Appcircle Distribution Profile |
| 103 | + appPath: ${{ secrets.APP_PATH }} # Path to your iOS .ipa or .xcarchive, or Android APK or App Bundle |
| 104 | + message: ${{ secrets.MESSAGE }} |
| 105 | +``` |
| 106 | +
|
| 107 | +### Leveraging Environment Variables |
| 108 | +
|
| 109 | +Utilize environment variables seamlessly by substituting the parameters with |
| 110 | +`${{ envs.VARIABLE_NAME }}` in your task inputs. The extension automatically |
| 111 | +retrieves values from the specified environment variables within your pipeline. |
| 112 | + |
| 113 | +Efficiently distribute test binaries or beta versions using Appcircle, featuring |
| 114 | +seamless IPA and APK distribution capabilities. Streamline your testing process |
| 115 | +with our versatile tool designed to optimize your distribution workflow. If you |
| 116 | +need support or more information, please |
| 117 | +[contact us](https://appcircle.io/contact?utm_source=github&utm_medium=plugin&utm_campaign=testing_distribution) |
| 118 | + |
| 119 | +### Reference |
| 120 | + |
| 121 | +- For details on generating an Appcircle Personal Access Token, visit |
| 122 | + [Generating/Managing Personal API Tokens](https://docs.appcircle.io/appcircle-api/api-authentication#generatingmanaging-the-personal-api-tokens?utm_source=github&utm_medium=plugin&utm_campaign=testing_distribution) |
| 123 | + |
| 124 | +- To create or learn more about Appcircle testing and distribution profiles, |
| 125 | + please refer to |
| 126 | + [Creating or Selecting a Distribution Profile](https://docs.appcircle.io/distribute/create-or-select-a-distribution-profile?utm_source=github&utm_medium=plugin&utm_campaign=testing_distribution) |
0 commit comments