[new feature] App bundles

Erel · Feb 23, 2021

There aren't many gains for using app bundles (AAB) with B4A as most apps don't include many native (.so) libraries or Android resources, however it will soon be required by Google Play so it is a good time to add this feature.

The next version will include other important changes to the toolchain.

mcqueccu · Feb 23, 2021

Yaaaay, I cant wait to test it.

Question: With the Build App bundle, does it include Obfuscation?

Also I want to suggest, it be added to Compilation Mode dropdown. Something like this

*Debug
*Release
*Release (Obfuscated)
*Release(App Bundle)
*Release(App Bundle with Obfuscation)

hatzisn · Feb 23, 2021

mcqueccu said:
Yaaaay, I cant wait to test it.

Question: With the Build App bundle, does it include Obfuscation?

Also I want to suggest, it be added to Compilation Mode dropdown. Something like this

*Debug
*Release
*Release (Obfuscated)
*Release(App Bundle)
*Release(App Bundle with Obfuscation)

The app bundle is just a different way of "packaging" your app to upload it in the play store. I suppose there is no reason for not including obfuscation.

mcqueccu · Feb 23, 2021

hatzisn said:
The app bundle is just a different way of "packaging" your app to upload it in the play store. I suppose there is no reason for not including obfuscation.

Understood

Star-Dust · Feb 23, 2021

Erel said:
View attachment 108598

View attachment 108597

There aren't many gains for using app bundles (AAB) with B4A as most apps don't include many native (.so) libraries or Android resources, however it will soon be required by Google Play so it is a good time to add this feature.

The next version will include other important changes to the toolchain.

Will it be necessary or mandatory to create an App Bundle?

Erel · Feb 23, 2021

Star-Dust said:
Will it be necessary or mandatory to create an App Bundle?

Yes, for new apps starting from August 2021: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2020/11/new-android-app-bundle-and-target-api.html

Star-Dust · Feb 23, 2021

Google is getting more and more complicated than Apple. I am considering making iOs my preferred working platform

Erel · Feb 23, 2021

Creating an app bundle is a matter of a single click. It is true that it involves switching to Google signing feature which requires an additional step for the first time. Nothing too complicated.

Star-Dust · Feb 23, 2021

Erel said:
Creating an app bundle is a matter of a single click. It is true that it involves switching to Google signing feature which requires an additional step for the first time. Nothing too complicated.

Nothing complicated because we use B4X which simplifies things for us, otherwise it would not be so simple. ?

MarcoRome · Feb 23, 2021

Erel said:
View attachment 108598

View attachment 108597

There aren't many gains for using app bundles (AAB) with B4A as most apps don't include many native (.so) libraries or Android resources, however it will soon be required by Google Play so it is a good time to add this feature.

The next version will include other important changes to the toolchain.

So if i understand correctly, the app will be compiled first
(Obfuscated or no) and then will the AAB package be created ?

Erel · Feb 24, 2021

True. It will compile and package the app, based on the selected compilation mode (release or release + obfuscation).

Deleted member 103 · Feb 24, 2021

Erel said:
View attachment 108598

View attachment 108597

There aren't many gains for using app bundles (AAB) with B4A as most apps don't include many native (.so) libraries or Android resources, however it will soon be required by Google Play so it is a good time to add this feature.

The next version will include other important changes to the toolchain.

I don't understand Google, what benefit should it bring?
Or is there any advantage at all?
In any case, I'm glad Erel is adding this implementation.

Erel · Feb 24, 2021

The APK is created from the AAB based on the target device. For example, it will not include native arm7 binaries when the target device has an arm8 cpu.

moster67 · Feb 24, 2021

Will the B4A IDE still generate the normal apk-file as usual?
Could be important if one distributes their apps outside of Google Play Store, for instance on a private server, by email ecc?

Erel · Feb 24, 2021

moster67 said:
Will the B4A IDE still generate the normal apk-file as usual?

Of course.

Inman · Feb 25, 2021

Star-Dust said:
Nothing complicated because we use B4X which simplifies things for us, otherwise it would not be so simple. ?

This is so true. A friend of mine recently started learning Android development via Flutter. He would occasionally call me with doubts like what is the command to generate key file or how to sign an apk with key and is there an easy way to push the signed apk to an actual device. I would say I really don't know because signing the apk and pushing to the device with B4A is just one click.

mcqueccu · Mar 1, 2021

@Erel, Please when is the estimated release time for the next B4A version. Am set to release an app, and I intend to use it as a test case for the App bundle

Erel · Mar 1, 2021

Beta version will be released tomorrow.

cambopad · Mar 1, 2021

@Erel Does command line builder also contain this feature?

Erel · Mar 1, 2021

[new feature] App bundles

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