Build an Android Mobile Application Using Azure DevOps

In the dynamic realm of Android app development, efficiency is key. Enter Azure DevOps, Microsoft's integrated solution that transforms the development lifecycle. This tutorial will show you how to leverage Azure DevOps for seamless Android app development.

Use the azure-pipelines.yml file at the root of the repository. Get this file to build the Android application using a CI (Continuous Integration) build.

Follow the instructions in the previously linked article, "Introduction to Azure DevOps," to create a build pipeline for an Android application.

After creating a new build pipeline, you will be prompted to choose a repository. Select the GitHub/Azure Repository. You then need to authorize the Azure DevOps service to connect to the GitHub account. Click Authorize, and this will integrate with your build pipeline.

After the connection to GitHub has been authorized, select the right repo, which is used to build the application.

How To Build an Android Application With Azure

Step 1: Get a Fresh Virtual Machine

Azure Pipelines have the option to build and deploy using a Microsoft-hosted agent. When running a build or release pipeline, get a fresh virtual machine (VM). If Microsoft-hosted agents will not work, use a self-hosted agent, as it will act as a build host.

pool:
  name: Hosted VS2017
  demands: java

Step 2: Build a Mobile Application

Build a mobile application using a Gradle wrapper script. Check out the branch and repository of the gradlew wrapper script. The gradlew wrapper script is used for the build. If the agent is running on Windows, it must use the gradlew.bat; if the agent runs on Linux or macOS, it can use the gradlew shell script.

Step 3: Set Directories

Set the current working directory and Gradle WrapperFile script directory.

steps:
- task: Gradle@2
  displayName: 'gradlew assembleDebug'
  inputs:
    gradleWrapperFile: 'MobileApp/SourceCode -Android/gradlew'
    workingDirectory: 'MobileApp/SourceCode -Android'
    tasks: assembleDebug
    publishJUnitResults: false
    checkStyleRunAnalysis: true
    findBugsRunAnalysis: true
    pmdRunAnalysis: true

This task detects all open source components in your build, security vulnerabilities, scan libraries, and outdated libraries (including dependencies from the source code). You can view it from the build level, project level, and account level.

task: whitesource.ws-bolt.bolt.wss.WhiteSource Bolt@18
displayName: 'WhiteSource Bolt'
  inputs:
    cwd: 'MobileApp/SourceCode -Android'

Step 4: Copy Files

Copy the .apk file from the source to the artifact directory.

- task: CopyFiles@2
  displayName: 'Copy Files to: $(build.artifactStagingDirectory)'
  inputs:
    SourceFolder: 'MobileApp/SourceCode -Android'
    Contents: '**/*.apk'
    TargetFolder: '$(build.artifactStagingDirectory)'

Use this task in the build pipeline to publish the build artifacts to Azure pipelines and file share.it will store it in the Azure DevOps server.

- task: PublishBuildArtifacts@1
  displayName: 'Publish Artifact: drop'

The new pipeline wizard should recognize that you already have an azure-pipelines.yml in the root repository.

The azure-pipeline.yml file contains all the settings that the build service should use to build and test the application, as well as generate the output artifacts that will be used to deploy the app's later release pipeline(CD).

Step 5: Save and Queue the Build

After everything is perfect, save and queue the build so you can see the corresponding task of logs to the respective job.

Step 6: Extract the Artifact Zip Folder

After everything is done, extract the artifact zip folder, copy the .apk file into the mobile device, and install the .apk file.

Conclusion

Azure DevOps is a game-changer for Android app development, streamlining processes and boosting collaboration. Encompassing version control, continuous integration, and automated testing, this unified solution accelerates development cycles and ensures the reliability and scalability of Android applications. 

The tutorial has guided you through the process of building and deploying an Android mobile application using Azure DevOps.  By following these steps, you've gained the skills to efficiently deploy Android applications, meet tight deadlines, and ensure reliability. Whether you're optimizing your workflow or entering Android development, integrating Azure DevOps will significantly enhance your efficiency and project success.