How to use FlutterFlow's built-in deployment features?

Introduction

FlutterFlow is a platform designed to streamline the process of building apps in Flutter. Let's explore how to use FlutterFlow's built-in deployment features to deploy your apps with Firebase and Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 1: Setting Up

Begin by setting up your project in FlutterFlow. Design your app using drop and drag, logic and database features as necessary. Once your app is complete and you’re ready to deploy, move onto the next step.

Step 2: Downloading the Project

In order to deploy your application, you first need to download the source code. In the FlutterFlow interface, click on the Download Code button in the top right corner, then select Download Source Code. By doing this, you're acquiring a zipped folder containing all code and files pertaining to your project. Extract the zipped file to a separate folder on your computer.

Step 3: Setting Up Firebase

Before deploying, ensure you have a Firebase project ready:

• Visit the Firebase website and Sign In.
• Create a new Firebase project by clicking on Add Project.
• Follow the wizard and ensure you enable Firebase Hosting.
• You will be navigated automatically to your Firebase project dashboard once completed.

Step 4: Connecting Firebase with FlutterFlow

Next, associate your Firebase project with FlutterFlow:

• Navigate to your Firebase project settings by clicking on the cog in the top left hand corner of the Firebase Console.
• On the Firebase Project Dashboard, find and copy the Firebase SDK snippet.
• Go back to the FlutterFlow dashboard and click on the settings icon.
• Paste the copied Firebase SDK snippet into the fields under App Settings > Firebase Configuration.
• Save the changes.

Step 5: Deploying to Firebase

With FlutterFlow, you can take advantage of the Firebase deployment shortcut to deploy your app rapidly:

• On the FlutterFlow dashboard, go over to the Hosting section.
• Press the Deploy to Firebase button.
• Kick back and wait as FlutterFlow deploys your app, this process may take a few minutes.

Upon successful completion, your Firebase project URL will be displayed.

Step 6: Building APK / IPA File

To release your app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you need to generate a release build:

• Install Flutter SDK on your machine and ensure Dart is properly configured.
• With Flutter installed, navigate to your project directory using your preferred terminal.
• Build an APK file by running flutter build apk --release.
• Build an IPA file by running flutter build ios --release.

After successfully running these commands, you will find the app-release.apk in the <app dir>/build/app/outputs/apk/release/ directory or .ipa file in <app dir>/build/ios/archive/.

Step 7: Uploading Your Solution

You’re ready to release your app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

• Login into your developer account on the respective platform.
• Follow the process to submit your app, uploading the apk or ipa files as necessary.
• Fill out the required metadata and content rating.

Your FlutterFlow created app is now deployed! Bear in mind, initial review processes may take time before the app is available on the store.