Use dandelion for distribution of iOS test apps

Objective

I described how to generate an IPA file from the command line and  itms-services   protocol to allow users to install test apps directly on a Web page. However, although this method works, it is still a bit cumbersome because:

1. Developers need to write the relevant Build script themselves.
2. Developers need to build their own server for application downloads.
3. If you want to be more friendly, developers will need to deploy CDN services and increase scanning QR code downloads.

So this article is to recommend a "dandelion" free service, help developers can easily do the IOS app test distribution work. Dandelion in July 2014 formally on-line, I have used a period of time, or very satisfied.

Let's take a look at how to use "dandelion" to distribute the beta version of your app.

Generate an IPA file

Create an IPA file for your app can use command line  xcodebuild Exportarchive-exportformat IPA to complete, or you can use the appropriate functionality provided by Xcode. I believe most of the students should have used, I will briefly introduce.

First set the target machine to "IOS Device", then click "Product" –> "Archive", Archive successful, you can see the corresponding file in Xcode Organizer.

Next click on the "Export" button in organizer, as shown in:

Select "Save for Ad Hoc Deployment" in the next popup screen. As shown in the following:

After selecting Finish, point Next,xcode automatically attaches the signature information of the test device and exports the corresponding IPA file.

Upload to Dandelion

If it is the first time to use dandelion, we need to visit the Dandelion's website to register. Registration is primarily to protect the security of the test app and to set the appropriate permissions (for example, to set the download password).

After registering, click "Publish App" on the homepage of Dandelion website, then select the previously generated IPA file to complete the process of uploading IPA. Dandelion to upload the speed of a great degree of optimization, upload application speed is very fast, I test upload the ape question bank process (upload 18M IPA file took about half a minute, the average speed should exceed 500K per second):

After the upload is successful, the dandelion automatically analyzes the Bundle ID information of the app and introduces and obtains it in the App Store app. You can then choose to set a "install password" to avoid some jailbroken users illegally installing your app. For small-scale trials, it is also recommended that you do not publish it to the app Square. As shown below:

Once you've set up all the information you need, click Publish app and Dandelion will generate a Web page for app distribution. As shown in the following:

You can send this page to your test user:

• If the user opens this page on the phone, you can click "Install button" to download and install the test app.
• If the user opens the app on a computer, you can download and install the test app in one click by scanning the QR code.

Some little tricks.

• Students with enterprise certificates, if the IPA is signed locally with enterprise certificates, you can use dandelion as an enterprise application distribution channel, eliminating the hassle of deploying the distributor, but it is better to set the installation password, so as to avoid the misuse of enterprise certificates by Apple.
• Too much trouble to open the Dandelion's webpage every time? Dandelion provides a MAC client, all upload and setup operations can be done directly on the client.

Copyright NOTICE: This article for Bo Master original article, without Bo Master permission not reproduced.

Use dandelion for distribution of iOS test apps