App Distribution with TeamCity and Gradle

Back in June, we already discussed how automatic build deployment to Updraft works with TeamCity, a CI-Solution by JetBrains, by using TeamCity’s Command-Line function and Updraft’s curl-command. However, if the Updraft Gradle Plugin is already included in the application, this process can even be simplified further. 

We recommend using the Updraft Gradle Plugin, because this way the system handles `apk paths` and `urls` for you, as soon as it has been set up properly. Have a look at the documentation in order to set up the Gradle plugin.

How to use TeamCity with the Updraft Gradle Plugin?

If you use Teamcity and the Gradle Plugin, you can deploy to Updraft very easily. With a few simple clicks you can configure your environment - here’s how to do that:

1. Open the TeamCity configuration of the target project 

In there, create a new build step “Gradle”. This build step should run after the project was built, preferably near the end of the CI pipeline.

2. Configure Gradle tasks and build step

After this is done, write the appropriate Updraft Gradle Task in the field `Gradle tasks`. The Updraft Gradle tasks are generated based on available product flavours (staging, prod, …) and build types (debug, release, …).

In this example, we have the project configuration of a “Staging Release”. In an earlier build step, `assembleStagingRelease` is being called, which produces the apk file. Therefore, under Gradle Parameters, you can see the Gradle task 'updraftStagingRelease', which is the build step that should be called in this case.

Keep in mind that the appropriate Updraft URL should be added to the Android project as defined in the Gradle Plugin setup.

Voilà: You automated your deployment with Updraft 

Assuming all this went well, from now on, whenever the build step is executed, your app will be uploaded to the right environment within your Updraft project automatically and if you have the Updraft SDK integrated all your beta testers will be notified about your new build immediately! Simple, right?

Of course, we also updated the Updraft docs accordingly: Amongst many other useful information, you can find the content of this article in our docs. Here's the direct link for your handy reference.

And of course: If you don't have an Updraft Account yet, you can register for free here.