CodePush vs fastlane: What are the differences?

Key Differences Between CodePush and fastlane

CodePush and fastlane are two popular tools used in the development of mobile applications. While CodePush is primarily focused on providing over-the-air updates for JavaScript-based applications, fastlane is a collection of tools and libraries for automating the release management process of iOS and Android apps. Here are some key differences between the two:

1. Purpose: CodePush enables developers to deploy code updates to their mobile apps without requiring App Store or Google Play Store submissions. It is designed to simplify the update process for JavaScript-based apps. On the other hand, fastlane automates various tasks involved in releasing iOS and Android apps, such as building, testing, code signing, and deploying to app stores.

2. Supported Platforms: CodePush is mainly targeted towards JavaScript-based apps, including React Native, Ionic, and Cordova applications. It supports both iOS and Android platforms. Conversely, fastlane is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms and can be used with any programming language or framework.

3. Updates Delivery: CodePush delivers updates by pushing the new JavaScript bundle to the user's device and applying it on the fly. This allows for instant updates without requiring users to download the updated app version from the app store. In contrast, fastlane focuses on automating the app submission process to the respective app stores and does not provide over-the-air update functionality like CodePush.

4. App Store-Related Tasks: While CodePush does not handle app store submissions directly, fastlane streamlines tasks related to the release management process, including screenshots capture, code signing, dealing with provisioning profiles, and submitting the app for review.

5. Configuration Management: CodePush requires minimal configuration, making it easier for developers to integrate and deploy updates. It relies on setting up a CodePush server and adding the required code snippets to the app. On the other hand, fastlane provides a rich set of configuration options for various tasks, allowing developers to customize the build and release pipeline as per their project requirements.

6. Community Support: CodePush is backed by Microsoft and has an active community of developers using JavaScript-based frameworks. It has a dedicated support team and regular updates. Fastlane, being an open-source project, also has a strong community support with frequent contributions, and it is backed by Google.

In summary, CodePush is focused on providing over-the-air updates for JavaScript-based apps, while fastlane automates the release management process for iOS and Android apps, including tasks like building, testing, and submitting to app stores. Their differences lie in the purpose, supported platforms, updates delivery method, app store-related tasks, configuration management, and community support.