{"id":4965,"date":"2023-02-28T11:53:44","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T16:53:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ionic.io\/blog\/?p=4965"},"modified":"2023-02-28T11:53:48","modified_gmt":"2023-02-28T16:53:48","slug":"deploying-mobile-apps-to-test-devices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ionic.io\/blog\/deploying-mobile-apps-to-test-devices","title":{"rendered":"Deploying Mobile Apps to Test Devices"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Testing\u2026testing\u2026 is this app on?<\/em> One of the most critical stages of the mobile development process is deploying to test devices. This process is crucial because it allows developers to identify and fix any issues before releasing the app to the public. While Appflow\u2019s Live Update feature<\/a> can reduce deployment risk with instant rollbacks, testing is still a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When it comes to test devices, you have two options \u2014 virtual devices, such as emulators for Android or simulators for iOS, and real devices. However, the stage at which you use a type of device, as well as how you access and use these devices, can vary. Appflow, the mobile CI\/CD solution from Ionic, can make the deployment process easier for any stage and device type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virtual devices include emulators for Android and simulators for iOS. Both serve similar functions, but are technically a little different. Emulators have increased fidelity to real devices because they consist of both hardware and software implementations written in a low-level language. Simulators are a software-driven implementation that mimics a hardware environment. Both are easier to provision than real devices and despite their differences are typically used for the same purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of their low cost and ease of provision, virtual devices tend to be used in earlier stages of app development. You may open a virtual device right from Android Studio, XCode, or the Capacitor CLI<\/a> or VS Code plugin<\/a> during your development process to quickly validate a code change or new feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual devices are also useful in automated testing. Automated tests for mobile apps typically provide an initial review for any issues before proceeding to more thorough manual testing. Virtual devices can be used for local automated testing or in a dedicated test environment or CI pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iOS Simulator Builds in Appflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Appflow is excited to now offer iOS Simulator builds in the cloud! This build type is unique because it does not require a signing certificate or provisioning profile. iOS Simulator builds generate a .app<\/code> file that can be opened on a simulator. Because the builds happen in Appflow, any member of the team can download the .app<\/code> file for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create an iOS Simulator build in Appflow, select iOS as the target platform on the build configuration screen. Then, click build! No signing certificates are needed, and unless you have custom environments or native configurations you\u2019d like to use, it\u2019s as simple as that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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