Alpha and beta testing android applications

Until recently, to test my applications, I used various methods of publishing, from simply putting an apk file on a hosting site to using specialized sites like testflightapp.com or using my bikes .

In the next update of the Google Play Developer Console, the ability to test applications for a certain circle of users was added.
If earlier downloading the apk file immediately led to the publication of the application, now 2 intermediate steps have been added.



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When downloading the next version of the application, we select the section:

• alpha testing
• beta testing
• production

from alpha testing can be transferred to beta or direct production, from beta - to production.

A useful feature, if the application is not published, but is only in the testing stage, it is available only to its testers, to other users it is not available through a search or through a direct link.

To become a tester, the user needs to join the google + community created by the developer (indicated in the application settings) and follow the link play.google.com/apps/testing/com.yourdomain.package

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At the moment, I have a rather convenient scenario of working on a small social application:

1. I am developing and debugging on one device under a special account.
2. Finishing work on the next feature, debugging on this device, publish the alpha version in google play
3. A number of my devices of different formats and versions android independently updated to the version
4. Within a day or two, all devices are tested.
5. Everything works, this version moves to the next stage, profit.

Pros:

• Convenient administration of testers
• Testers do not need to put a tick allowing installation of applications from Uknown sources, a potential security threat
• Installing the application from the market to the user looks safer, "more solid"
• A large group of beta testers will automatically become users of the published application, plus statistics
• a regular bug tracker, no need to add third-party libraries to applications

Minuses:

• regular bug tracker, slow and less informative