iOS Tutorial Installing B4i-Bridge and debugging first app

B4i-Bridge is an application that you install on the device.
It has three purposes:
1. Launch the installation process when needed. This step is done with Apple Configurator 2 if using a local builder (https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/installing-apps-with-apple-configurator-2.128397/).
2. Run the installed app (when installation is not needed).
3. The bridge is also the WYSIWYG visual designer.
4. Starting from iOS 16 you need to enable developer mode under: Settings - Privacy & Security -> Developer Mode

You need to install B4i-Bridge once. It is done from the device browser.


This video tutorial shows the steps required in order to install B4i-Bridge.

The important steps are:
- Set the package name based on the provision app id.
- Build B4i-Bridge: Tools -> Build Server -> Build B4i-Bridge
- Open mobile Safari and navigate to the link displayed in the compilation window.
- Install B4i-Bridge and run it.



Transcript:
1. Create a new project and save it.
2. Set the package name based on the provision app id (Project - Build Configurations).
3. Tools - Build Server - Build B4i-Bridge app.
4. The compilation dialog will show the link that you need to enter in the device browser.
5. Click on the Install button and confirm the installation.
6. Press on the Home key. B4i-Bridge app should be installed.
7. Start B4i-Bridge. A message with the ip address will be displayed.
8. Set this address in the IDE under Tools - Device IP Address.
9. Run the program. Approve the installation on the device and click on the new installed app.


Note that this is a real device. Not an emulator.

Tips:

- B4i-Bridge must be in the foreground for it to be able to start an installation or to run the application. In most cases it will be in the foreground automatically. If it is not in the foreground then you need to click on it to bring it to the foreground.

Troubleshooting:

Device errors:


1. Make sure that the mobile provisioning file includes the device UDID and that the UDID doesn't start with ffffff (this is a fake id).
2. Select 64 bit under Tools - Build Server - Server Settings.

Compilation errors:
1. First follow the steps in this tutorial: http://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/creating-a-certificate-and-provisioning-profile.45880/
2. Make sure that the App Id ends with a wildcard.

 

[tuhatinhvn]

Nice, same B4A, waiting to beta version to test ^^ thank erel

 

[little3399]

Hi, Erel

Why I want to install B4i-Bridge , It prompt me to input password ...

 

[Erel]

Have you tried to enter your passcode?

This link installs a certificate on your device that is required for over the air installations for the remote builders.

Note that you can always delete the certificate (and reinstall it) under Settings - General - Profiles.

 

[netkomm]

Hi Erel,

1) I managed to install B4I.
2) The certificate has been installed on the device (Iphone 6 iOS8.1)

now I am trying to run the "empty" app which is open by default. I saved the project. I did set the Java path (JDK 1.6.026) and created a "keys" folder.

The next step would be to set the app id - done.

So I try to compile the Bridge App but I get the following error (see pic).

 

[Erel]

You need to first create a developer certificate:
Creating a certificate and provisioning profile

 

[inakigarm]

Same error....;-(

I've created a key, saved the project, assigned the IP Device, installed Bridge certificate on IPAD but when I select Build to Server, it returns this error (see Pdf)
I've connection to the server (I can ping to the server), but even deactivating the Firewall it returns the same error
Thanks

 

[netkomm]

ok... I went to the Apple Dev Center to create a certificate but since I have it already installed on my Mac, I have the option greyed out ("iOS App Development")

 

[Erel]

@netkomm choose App Store and Ad Hoc instead. It doesn't matter.

@inakigarm you need to first create a developer certificate as explained in this tutorial: Creating a certificate and provisioning profile

 

[netkomm]

ok... removed the certificates and created new ones. Installed the Server and run the 1st app...

Fantastic... here we go!

 

[Erel]

Check these projects: http://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/examples.45922/

 

[netkomm]

Erel, do you have an area where to start posting for B4I? I have the "silly question #1" ready...

 

[Erel]

Sure, here: http://www.b4x.com/android/forum/forums/ios-questions.62/

 

[inakigarm]

Thanks Erel all is working

First mini app on IPAD !!

 

[imbault]

Congratulations Erel, all worked at the first time!!!

A small app runs on a iphone5s, iPad2 and iPhone4S

Bravissimo

 

[Valtron]

Thanks Erel, everything up and running here !

 

[Homerclese]

Erel I'm confused about the B4i-Bridge instructions. What does this mean: "Set the package name based on the provision app id."???

 

[Erel]

A provisioning profile is tied to a specific App Id. You can see it in this screenshot:

Here, the App Id that I used is anywheresoftware.b4i.*

You can only use this provisioning profile with applications that their package name starts with anywheresoftware.b4i. For example anywheresoftware.b4i.example.

When you build the B4i-Bridge app the bridge package name is based on the current app package name (<package name>.bridge).

 

[GiulioVale]

Hi Erel if I remember correctly you need always App Id with asterisk otherwise bridge is not installed

 

[Erel]

This is true (it is written in the certificates tutorial). The bridge package name is <project package name>.bridge. If the App Id doesn't end with a wildcard then the bridge package name will be rejected.

Note that you can install B4i-Bridge and then change to a different provisioning profile if you need an explicit id.