A Step-by-Step Tutorial on Building, Testing, and Distributing Apps with Microsoft App Center

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced software development landscape, automating the build, test, and distribution processes is essential for delivering high-quality applications efficiently. Microsoft App Center is a powerful cloud-based service that helps developers streamline these tasks for mobile and desktop applications. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to setting up, building, testing, and distributing apps using Microsoft App Center.

1. Setting Up Microsoft App Center

Before you can start using App Center, you need to create an account and set up your project.

Step 1: Create an Account

  1. Visit App Center.
  2. Sign in using your Microsoft, GitHub, or Google account.
  3. Click “Add new app” and provide details like:
    • App name
    • Operating system (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.)
    • Platform (React Native, Xamarin, Unity, etc.)

Step 2: Connect a Repository

To automate builds, link your app to a repository:

  1. Go to the Build section.
  2. Click “Set up build”.
  3. Choose a repository host (GitHub, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps).
  4. Select the repository and branch you want to build.
  5. Configure build settings such as build scripts, environment variables, and signing credentials.

2. Automating Builds

App Center automates the build process, ensuring consistency and reducing manual errors.

Step 1: Configure Build Settings

  1. Enable “Build automatically on push” for continuous integration.
  2. Choose a build agent matching your app’s development environment.
  3. For iOS apps, upload your Apple Developer Certificate and Provisioning Profile.

Step 2: Run the Build

  1. Click “Save & Build”.
  2. Monitor the build logs for errors.
  3. Once the build succeeds, App Center will generate an artifact (APK, IPA, or EXE).

3. Running Automated UI Tests

Before releasing your app, it’s crucial to test it across multiple devices to catch bugs early.

Step 1: Set Up App Center Test

  1. Navigate to the Test section.
  2. Choose “New Test Run”.
  3. Select devices from the App Center Device Lab (real iOS & Android devices).

Step 2: Upload Your Test Scripts

  1. App Center supports test frameworks like XCUITest, Espresso, and Appium.
  2. Upload your test scripts.
  3. Run tests and analyze results via screenshots and logs.

4. Distributing the App

Once your app is built and tested, it’s time to distribute it to users.

Step 1: Select Distribution Groups

  1. Navigate to the Distribute section.
  2. Click “New Distribution Group”.
  3. Add testers’ email addresses or link to an external service (Google Play, App Store).

Step 2: Upload and Distribute

  1. Select a build artifact from previous builds.
  2. Upload release notes and click “Distribute”.
  3. Testers will receive an email notification with a download link.

5. Monitoring and Crash Reporting

Tracking app performance and crashes helps improve user experience.

Step 1: Enable Crash Reporting

  1. Go to the Diagnostics section.
  2. Enable crash reporting for real-time insights.
  3. Integrate App Center SDK into your app.

Step 2: Track Analytics

  1. Navigate to Analytics.
  2. View user engagement, session duration, and retention metrics.

Conclusion

Microsoft App Center simplifies app development by automating builds, testing, and distribution while offering powerful analytics and crash reporting. By following this tutorial, you can efficiently manage your app’s lifecycle and ensure a smooth user experience. Try App Center today to streamline your development workflow!