iOS Tutorial Local Mac Builder Installation

Edit: Apple Configurator 2 must be used when using a local Mac:

Installing apps with Apple Configurator 2

Starting from B4i v7.20 it is possible to install apps, when the iOS device is physically connected to a local Mac, using Apple Configurator 2. It is supported by all iOS versions and is a must with iOS 14.5+ when using the local builder. Benefits: - No need to approve installation. - Simpler...

www.b4x.com

iOS compilation requires an Apple Mac computer. Developers have two options with B4i:
- Use a local Mac machine connected over the local network.
- Use our hosted builder rental service.

These instructions explain how to install the builder on a local Mac machine.

1. Install Java JDK 8: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html
OpenJDK 11+ is also good (link is available here: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/t...lest-way-to-distribute-ui-apps.99835/#content)

2. Install Xcode 14:

https://developer.apple.com/download/all/?q=xcode+14

2.5. You need to run Xcode at least once. Approve installation of additional components when asked.
3. Download and unzip the B4i-Builder.
4. Open a terminal and navigate to B4i-Builder folder.
5. Run it with: java -jar B4iBuildServer.jar
6. Set the builder IP address in the IDE under Tools - Build Server - Server Settings
7. Install Apple configurator 2: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/installing-apps-with-apple-configurator-2.128397/#content
It is not possible to make an over the air installation with the local builder.
8. You might be asked for a password during a build (codesign step). The password is 111111

Notes & Tips

- By default ports numbers 51041 (http) and 51042 (https) are used.
- The firewall should be either disabled or allow incoming connections on these two ports.
- You can test that the server is running by going to the following link: http://<server ip>:51041/test
- You can kill the server with: http://<server ip>:51041/kill
- It is recommended to set your Mac server ip address to a static address. This can be done in your router settings or in the Mac under Network settings.
- A single Mac builder can serve multiple developers as long as they are all connected to the same local network. Note that you are not allowed to host builders for developers outside of your organization.


Troubleshooting

BuildServer v1.02 includes a new test page which provides information about the server, including the SSL key ip address and the libraries versions.
You can access this page with: <Mac ip>:51041/test

 

[ilan]

after you have compiled the project you get the *.ipa file? and then how do i publish it?

 

[Erel]

Version 1.00 (or before) will include an option to download the last built ipa:

If you are using a local Mac builder then you can also get it under the UploadedProjects/<user> folder.

 

[PSEAD]

I can't see a link to download the B4i-Builder. Am I missing something?

 

[ilan]

I can't see a link to download the B4i-Builder. Am I missing something?

check in your emails... (if you are a better tester )

 

[Erel]

I can't see a link to download the B4i-Builder. Am I missing something?

Beta testers who didn't receive it and have a local Mac should contact support@basic4ppc.com.

@ilan12041981 have you already installed it? Any issues?

 

[ilan]

hi erel, i installed the app builder on my mac, follow the instruction everything works, i have changed also the ip in the IDE > tools> ...
when i build the app i also see that it was build succefully also in my windows pc and on my mac

msg: 20:14:47| Compilation time: 1654, beta650, queue:0, success: true

now the only problem is if i navigate in safary to the adress i get from b4i i dont see anything site is loading but no big round button "INSTALL APP"

 

[ilan]

if i run server test its ok, also if i open the site in google chrom in my PC i see the Intsall app button, but not in safari, maybe something with the b4i certificate is wrong...

 

[Erel]

What is the local page link?

Why do you need to open Safari? Are you building a new B4i-Bridge app?

 

[ilan]

http://192.168.2.1:51041/ilan

no need to build a new bridge app?? i thought i must build one first

with the old bridge its working!!!

 

[ilan]

but why its not working in safari? is it something u need to add ? if i want to try now my apps on a new iphone how can i build the bridge again??

 

[Erel]

You don't need to build a new bridge, however it should be possible to build a new bridge.

Do you see a white screen on that link? Verify the link and make sure that you entered http and not https.

 

[ilan]

ok i will use the old bridge but there is a problem, if i start the bridge i see all views and everything is ok, but when i build the app (debug or release) no Install app command...

 

[ilan]

Ok erel i got it,..

i am sharing wifi through my mac mini and all devices are now connected to the mac, now everything is working, thanx!!

 

[Erel]

The "test" link is a good way to test network issues. It should work from the device.

 

[ilan]

so what do i need now to publish my apps to the app store?

 

[ilan]

i have a question please, with the new builder i have folowing issue

i use my iphone 4 complie app, debug,.. everything is fine then switch to ipad2 also compile debug... everything is fine when i want to connect again my iphone and choose the device ip adress (tools>device ip adress) then i get error could not connect to the device ip...

what i do now is turn off wifi (of iphone 4) and turn on and its working again... what could it be??

 

[Valtron]

Hi Erel,
I followed above instructions and installed the local builder on my macbook pro with vmware running.

When first running the builder from the terminal, it picked one of the virtual ip addresses from vmware as the builder address.
After removing the builder directory, stopping vmware and then reinstalling the builder, it picked the correct ip address and everything now works smoothly.
Thanks
Val

 

[ilan]

one more issue found, iAdMob doesnot work now (worked with the old builder)

 

[imbault]

Erel,
All works fine, local Mac compiler and b4i Brige on the mac, compilation no pb via IDE. No Pb at all

Well done