Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

CodePush

64
199
+ 1
1
fastlane

640
429
+ 1
73
Add tool

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.

Get Advice from developers at your company using StackShare Enterprise. Sign up for StackShare Enterprise.
Learn More
Pros of CodePush
Pros of fastlane
  • 1
    Only JS changes will be reflected
  • 20
    Easy to use
  • 13
    Open Source
  • 13
    Itunes connect deployment
  • 11
    Incredible flexability
  • 9
    Third party integrations
  • 3
    Certificate management
  • 3
    Provisioning profile management
  • 1
    All in one iOS DevOps
  • 0
    Integrate anything with fastlane
  • 0
    Can be used for Android as well

Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions

What is CodePush?

CodePush is a cloud service that enables Cordova and React Native developers to deploy mobile app updates directly to their users’ devices. It works by acting as a central repository that developers can publish certain updates to (e.g. JS, HTML, CSS and image changes), and that apps can query for updates from (using our provided client SDKs).

What is fastlane?

fastlane lets you define and run your deployment pipelines for different environments. It helps you unify your app’s release process and automate the whole process. fastlane connects all fastlane tools and third party tools, like CocoaPods.

Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

What companies use CodePush?
What companies use fastlane?
See which teams inside your own company are using CodePush or fastlane.
Sign up for StackShare EnterpriseLearn More

Sign up to get full access to all the companiesMake informed product decisions

What tools integrate with CodePush?
What tools integrate with fastlane?

Sign up to get full access to all the tool integrationsMake informed product decisions

Blog Posts

GitHubPythonNode.js+47
54
72280
What are some alternatives to CodePush and fastlane?
Bitbucket
Bitbucket gives teams one place to plan projects, collaborate on code, test and deploy, all with free private Git repositories. Teams choose Bitbucket because it has a superior Jira integration, built-in CI/CD, & is free for up to 5 users.
Expo
It is a framework and a platform for universal React applications. It is a set of tools and services built around React Native and native platforms that help you develop, build, deploy, and quickly iterate on iOS, Android, and web apps.
AppHub
Designed to give app developers a new way of deploying and updating apps, AppHub allows users to change their app on the fly. Deploys across iOS, Android, desktop and web.
Firebase
Firebase is a cloud service designed to power real-time, collaborative applications. Simply add the Firebase library to your application to gain access to a shared data structure; any changes you make to that data are automatically synchronized with the Firebase cloud and with other clients within milliseconds.
React Navigation
Start quickly with built-in navigators that deliver a seamless out-of-the box experience. Navigation views that deliver 60fps animations, and utilize native components to deliver a great look and feel.
See all alternatives