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Setup

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.

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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.

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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

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

Steps:

Commit your code changes to a new branch.

Push the branch to GitHub:

git push origin <branch-name>

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)

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4. Configure Google Play Console Access​

Log in to Google Play Console.

Create or select an existing application.

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

Add a service account and download the JSON key.

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

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5. 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

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6. 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:

Navigate to the Testing section in the Play Console.

Select Internal testing.

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

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

:::note: The application will not be visible to the public and can only be accessed by the registered testers. :::