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This section explains how to set up the development environment, configure the CI/CD pipeline, push the code to GitHub, and publish the app to the Google Play Store.

1. Prerequisites​

Before starting the setup, ensure you have the following:

  • Access to the project repository on GitHub

  • Valid Play Store developer account

  • Required environment variables and API keys

  • Android Studio and SDK configured

  • Access to your CI/CD tool.

2. Configure Environment Variables​

Create a .env file in the project root directory and add the required variables:

API_URL=https://api.yourapp.com
APP_ENV=production
GOOGLE_SERVICES_JSON=path/to/google-services.json

3.The CI/CD pipeline automates the build, test, and deployment​

process.

Steps:

  1. Commit your code changes to a new branch.

  2. Push the branch to GitHub:

  3. git push origin

\<branch-name\>

  1. The pipeline will automatically:

    • Run lint and test checks

    • Build the release bundle

    • Generate the signed APK or AAB

    • Deploy to Play Store (if configured)

  2. Configure Google Play Console Access

  3. Log in to Google Play Console.

  4. Create or select an existing application.

  5. Under Setup → API Access, link your Google Cloud project.

  6. Add a service account and download the JSON key.

  7. Add this key to your CI/CD pipeline secrets as PLAY_STORE_KEY.

  8. Automate Play Store Deployment

Your pipeline can automatically upload bundles to Play Store.

Example (GitHub Actions snippet):

  • name: Upload to Play Store
uses: r0adkll/upload-google-play@v1

with:

serviceAccountJsonPlainText: 

\${{ secrets.PLAY_STORE_KEY }}

packageName: com.yourapp.package

releaseFile: app/build/outputs/bundle/release/app-release.aab

track: production

  1. Verify Deployment

Once the pipeline finishes:

  • Open Play Console → Release → Production → Artifact Library

  • Verify the uploaded AAB/APK

  • Roll out the release

Google Play Console -- Internal Testing Access

In the Google Play Console, the application is currently available only for internal testers. To manage testing access:

  1. Navigate to the Testing section in the Play Console.

  2. Select Internal testing.

  3. Add the Gmail accounts of the testers who should have access to the application.

  4. Only the added users will be able to:

    • View the app in the Play Store (using the testing link)

    • Download and install the app

    • Test its features and provide feedback

The application will not be visible to the public and can

only be accessed by the registered testers.