XCode Cloud Workflow use in various ways, including creating a new release of an app for App Store Connect or automating your XCode Cloud data reading. You can integrate with other CI/CD systems and create, update, or delete workflows.
Automate reading Xcode Cloud data
Xcode Cloud is a new cloud-based toolchain that automates app building, testing, and distribution. It’s currently in beta, and it will eventually be publicly available. But the tool needs to be more fully connected to other CI/CD platforms, and there are some concerns.
First, Xcode is restricted, and users can only access the source code during builds. It can be problematic if you have the same app on multiple platforms. It also requires that you have access to a Git repo. If you don’t have a Git repo, you won’t be able to create workflows with Xcode Cloud.
Xcode Cloud is connected to the TestFlight platform, which means you can deploy your application to testers. You can then use Post-Actions to send notifications when your workflow is finished.
Create, update, or delete workflows
Xcode Cloud provides a set of workflows for users to build and publish apps. These workflows allow developers to perform various actions, including build, test, and archive. The workflows can be edited and duplicated.
Xcode Cloud helps developers refine their continuous integration practice. It also recommends settings for new users. These suggested settings will make the user familiar with Xcode Cloud.
Xcode Cloud requires a variety of different roles and permissions. For example, a solo iOS developer can create a workflow that builds and archives their app. Similarly, a back-end team primarily responsible for deploying changes will likely use a CI/CD process. Likewise, a large company working on multiple frameworks in parallel will need to maintain many workflows.
Build a new app for App Store Connect on a new release
Xcode Cloud provides a workflow that allows you to build a new app for App Store Connect on a new release. Then, you can distribute it to testers via TestFlight. You can use Xcode to perform a build manually or automatically.
Xcode’s Cloud tab is located at the top of the Xcode menu. To create a new workflow, click the Create Workflow option. You can also edit or delete existing workflows. You can set up a workflow that only allows for edits or restricts editing to Admins and App Managers.
After creating a workflow, you can review it and choose which action to trigger. Depending on how you configure your workflow, you may have to perform a clean build or a test build. You can also specify Post-Actions. If you have established Post-Actions, you can send notifications to Slack or TestFlight when the workflow is completed.
Automatically cancel in-progress builds.
Xcode Cloud and Workflows are both tools for automating the build process. They allow you to build apps, check out a branch, and then run tests automatically. They also allow you to deploy to TestFlight. You can customize your workflows to meet your requirements.
For example, you can have a workflow that starts and runs test builds when the code in your main Git branch changes. It is helpful in ensuring stable code.
Another example is when a user interface (UI) test is run. If there are changes in the main code, running UI tests is a good idea. You may have to start a new build manually if you migrate legacy code. However, there are better ideas for a corporate context.
Xcode Cloud and Workflows are useful for automating the build process, but they do not support legacy build systems. They have been designed with ease of use in mind.
Integrate with other CI/CD systems
Xcode Cloud allows developers to perform continuous integration and testing for their projects. It is a subscription-based service built into Xcode and requires a few additional setups. You can use it to test, deliver test builds, and continuously build projects.
To create an Xcode Cloud workflow, go to the Review Workflow page, and select a new workflow. Xcode will guide you through the process. Afterward, you can add build actions to the workflow, configure start conditions, and analyze changes. In addition, you can use the GitHub app to manage access to your team’s repository.
Xcode Cloud also features a web dashboard for monitoring and managing cycles. Using the web dashboard, you can view details about your build history and receive notifications about your builds.
