How to give a beta app to testers..?

Getting Started Newbie Questions
#1

Okay, a few weeks ago I managed it somehow to build my app and run it on my iPod, but I am totally confused about all the profiles, certificates whatever etc., I was just glad that I am able to build it on my own device for now…

But how can I give my app to a friend to let him test it on his device?

According to this instructions I found on the web, I have to zip the .app folder generated by XCode and pass the zipped file, together with a “mobileprovisioning” file to my friend. He then needs to drag both onto his iTunes, synch his device and he should be ready to go.

Is this correct?

But… so many questions…

1.) Zipping the file…? So it will have a .zip name extension then? Why should iTunes recognize a .zip file? Shouldn’t it be an .ipa file or whatever?

2.) Where can I find that “.mobileprovision” file I need to email to my friend?

Oh jeez… 50(!!) steps to distribute an app… what a pain… thanks, Apple :-/

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#2

Try TestFlight
I’ve used it, and it works great, it eliminates having to email .ipa/zip files and getting the provisioning profile installed on their device, etc. [import]uid: 8782 topic_id: 11642 reply_id: 42314[/import]

#3

i know, it looks like a big pile of dung you have to go through.
The documents can be quite confusing sometimes.
But it’s really not that hard when you got the hang of it.

1.) actually you compile to an .app file, forget about the zip. thats for uploading to the appstore.

2.) you can find the provisioning profiles in the iOS dev center

–> you need the UDID of your friend’s device!
He has to go to itunes, click on the serial number, copy UDID

  • login to iOS dev center
  • go to provisioning portal
  • register your friend’s device with UDID
  • goto provisioning/distribution, choose AdHoc, check friend’s device
  • build with this profile and send .app file and adhoc file to friend

he should be able to install it via iTunes or config tool http://support.apple.com/kb/dl851

uh. hope that helps…

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#4

Thanks finefin, your explanation sounds a lot easier and more clear than most of the manuals I read so far. Unfortunately, the config tool is useless since my testers do not use Mac OS.
Just one question though:

“- build with this profile and send .app file and adhoc file to friend”

I can see the .app file created by XCode, but where do I find that adhoc file? What name does it have and where should it be located after building my app?
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#5

the config tool is also available for windows xp/vista/7 !!

download the AdHoc profile from iOS dev center - where you created it!
( http://developer.apple.com/devcenter/ios/ )

sometimes it says “pending”, just reload the page and you’ll be able to download it.

give this file and the app file to your friend.

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#6

Oh just listen to NayGames and myself when we tell you to just use TestFlight.

Best system out there. Here is the URL again:

http://www.testflightapp.com [import]uid: 5317 topic_id: 11642 reply_id: 42580[/import]

#7

@mike4: to be honest, I don’t trust them… I mean you really don’t know where your app will be stored, for how long and what they do with it. Too many unanswered questions… :-/

@finefin: just to reassure -all I have to do is to

  • Go to the provisioning portal

  • Click on “Devices”

  • Add the new device

  • Then click on “Provisioning”

  • Select my ad hoc provisioning profile

  • Click on edit next to it

  • Check the added device there

  • Download this profile

  • Then send the .app folder / file, together with the downloaded profile to my friend who who should be able to drag both onto iTunes or install them using the config utility.

Is this correct?

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#8

“Is this correct?”

yes.
but don’t forget: you have to build with this profile or it won’t work.

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