Development Build & Testing Guide

Quick Start

1. Build Development Client

Development client allows testing native features (AdMob, RevenueCat) that don't work in Expo Go.

# iOS Development Build
eas build --profile development --platform ios

# Android Development Build
eas build --profile development --platform android

# Both platforms
eas build --profile development --platform all

2. Install on Device

iOS (Simulator)

# Download and install on simulator
eas build:run --platform ios

iOS (Physical Device)

1. Download the build from EAS dashboard
2. Install via Xcode or Apple Configurator 2

Android

# Download APK and install
eas build:run --platform android

---

Build Profiles (eas.json)

Your eas.json should have these profiles:

{
  "cli": {
    "version": ">= 5.0.0"
  },
  "build": {
    "development": {
      "developmentClient": true,
      "distribution": "internal",
      "ios": {
        "simulator": true
      }
    },
    "development-device": {
      "developmentClient": true,
      "distribution": "internal"
    },
    "preview": {
      "distribution": "internal",
      "android": {
        "buildType": "apk"
      }
    },
    "production": {
      "autoIncrement": true,
      "android": {
        "buildType": "app-bundle"
      }
    }
  },
  "submit": {
    "production": {
      "ios": {
        "appleId": "your@email.com",
        "ascAppId": "YOUR_APP_ID",
        "appleTeamId": "YOUR_TEAM_ID"
      },
      "android": {
        "serviceAccountKeyPath": "./pc-api-key.json",
        "track": "internal"
      }
    }
  }
}

---

Testing Checklist

Before Building

• All TypeScript errors fixed
• No console errors in Metro
• npx expo-doctor passes
• All dependencies up to date

Test on Development Build

Run these tests on the development build:

Core Functionality

• App launches without crash
• Home screen loads
• Quiz works end-to-end
• Practice works end-to-end
• Progress saves correctly
• Language switching works

Monetization

• Paywall displays correctly
• All 3 pricing tiers show
• "Restore Purchases" button visible
• Purchase flow starts (sandbox)
• Purchase completes successfully
• Premium features unlock after purchase

Ads (Free Users)

• Banner ad shows on home screen
• Interstitial ad shows after quiz
• Ads hidden for premium users

Edge Cases

• App works offline (cached data)
• No crash when IAP unavailable
• No crash when ads fail to load
• No crash on slow network

---

RevenueCat Sandbox Testing

iOS Sandbox

1. Create Sandbox Tester account:

   • App Store Connect → Users and Access → Sandbox Testers
   • Add new tester with unique email

2. On device:

   • Settings → App Store → Sandbox Account
   • Sign in with sandbox account

3. Test purchases:

   • Sandbox purchases don't charge real money
   • Subscriptions renew every few minutes (for testing)

Android Test Purchases

1. Add license testers:

   • Google Play Console → Setup → License Testing
   • Add tester email addresses

2. Test purchases:

   • Test users see "TEST PURCHASE" badge
   • No real charges

---

Production Build

iOS Production

# Build for App Store
eas build --profile production --platform ios

# Submit to App Store Connect
eas submit --platform ios --latest

Android Production

# Build AAB for Google Play
eas build --profile production --platform android

# Submit to Google Play (internal track)
eas submit --platform android --latest

---

Pre-Submit Final Checks

iOS

• App icon displays correctly
• Splash screen works
• All screenshots uploaded
• Privacy Policy URL valid
• Age rating completed
• Export compliance answered
• All metadata filled

Android

• App icon displays correctly
• Feature graphic uploaded
• All screenshots uploaded
• Privacy Policy URL valid
• Data safety form complete
• Content rating completed
• Release notes written

---

Common Issues & Fixes

Build Fails

# Clear caches and rebuild
rm -rf node_modules
rm -rf ios/Pods
npm install
npx pod-install
eas build --profile development --platform ios --clear-cache

Credentials Issues

# Reset credentials
eas credentials --platform ios
eas credentials --platform android

Metro Bundler Issues

# Clear Metro cache
npx expo start --clear

---

Useful Commands

# Check EAS CLI version
eas --version

# Check build status
eas build:list

# View build logs
eas build:view [BUILD_ID]

# Cancel build
eas build:cancel [BUILD_ID]

# Open dashboard
eas open

# Doctor check
npx expo-doctor

# Update dependencies
npx expo install --check

---

Timeline

Step	Duration
Development build	15-30 min
Testing on device	1-2 hours
Production build	20-40 min
iOS review	24-48 hours
Android review	1-3 days

---

Support

• EAS Build: https://docs.expo.dev/build/introduction/
• EAS Submit: https://docs.expo.dev/submit/introduction/
• RevenueCat: https://docs.revenuecat.com
• AdMob: https://developers.google.com/admob