VoltBuilder

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Revision as of 12:31, 18 May 2020 by Ghenne (talk | contribs)
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VoltBuilder is a replacement for PhoneGap Build. It is a service which takes the files from a web app (such as those produced by AppStudio) and turns them into a native Android and iOS app.

VoltBuilder compared to PhoneGap Build

  • Builds are made using XCode 11.3, so apps meet iTunes Connect requirements
  • Signing keys are uploaded with the app and deleted as soon as the build is complete. They are not stored on the VoltBuilder site.
  • Build times can be faster
  • Resulting builds are smaller
  • You can use the same signing keys as with PhoneGap Build
  • As with PhoneGap, you do not need to install Xcode, Android Studio or anything else for it to work.
  • As with PhoneGap, you can use a Windows or Mac computer.

How to set up VoltBuilder in AppStudio

Put your certificates in the Certificates folder (in your Project Directory) In Project Properties, in the PhoneGap and Cordova section, fill in the following properties:

Property Description
The following Android fields are only required if you are building a release Android app to submit to the Google Play store. If you leave them blank, VoltBuilder will generate the keystore automatically.
Android Alias Name of the alias in the android keystore file. Must be in certificates folder.
Android Alias password Password for alias in the Android keystore file.
Android Dname Distinguished Name. User identification for creating Keystore file. Substitute your information. String format is cn=myname, ou=mygroup, o=mycompany, c=mycountry. Not required if you already have a .keystore file.
Android keystore A .keystore file, generated by this procedure. Leave blank for automatic generation by VoltBuilder.
Android keystore password Password.
 
What kind of build should be done?
Cordova command The iOS fields are required to build for iOS.
  • emulate ios: Build a file for the iOS Simulator (part of XCode)
  • emulate android: Build a file for the Android Emulator (part of Android Studio)
  • run ios --debug: Build a development version for iOS. Dev p12 and mobileprovision files required. This is the most used iOS command.
  • run android --debug: Build a development version for Android. This is the most used Android command.
  • run ios --release: Build a distribution version for iOS. Dist p12 and mobileprovision file required.
  • run android --release: Build a release version for Android. Android keystore required.
  • Create cordova directory only: Not used for VoltBuilder.
  • Create and open in Xcode: Not used for VoltBuilder.
ios dev .p12 file The p12 file is generated from the development certificate downloaded from Apple. See Submitting to the iOS App Store. You can use the same p12 for multiple apps. Leave blank if you are not building for iOS.
ios dev .p12 password The password specified when exporting the .p12 file. Leave blank if you are not building for iOS.
ios dev mobileprovision file The mobileprovision file is downloaded from Apple. It specifies which devices the app is allowed to run on. You need a separate mobileprovision file for each one of your apps. Leave blank if you are not building for iOS.
ios dist .p12 file The p12 file is generated from the distribution certificate downloaded from Apple. See Submitting to the iOS App Store. Leave blank if you are not building for iOS Distribution.
ios dist .p12 password The password specified when exporting the .p12 file. Leave blank if you are not building for iOS Distribution.
ios dist mobileprovision file The mobileprovision file is downloaded from Apple. It specifies which devices the app is allowed to run on. You need a separate mobileprovision file for each one of your apps. Leave blank if you are not building for iOS Distribution.
ios Distribution type This field has the following settings:
  • enterprise: Build for Enterprise Distribution. This is for apps which are used within an Enterprise only.
  • ad-hoc: Make an ad-hoc build. This will run on your local devices.
  • app-store: Make a build suitable for uploading to the iTunes Store.

How to run VoltBuilder from AppStudio

Use 'Make Native App with VoltBuilder' in the run menu. In about a minute (depending on server load), you will get a link to download your app.