Explore key steps and best practices for deploying React Native apps to both the App Store and Play Store. This quiz covers app signing, release builds, store requirements, and essential publishing tasks for effective mobile application distribution.
Which build type should you generate in React Native when preparing your app for distribution to public app stores?
Explanation: The release build is optimized and configured for public distribution and is required for publishing apps to the App Store or Play Store. Debug and Development builds are for in-house testing and contain debugging tools unsuitable for release. Staging builds are typically used for pre-production environments and are not accepted by stores. Only the release build matches the criteria needed for app store submission.
When uploading your React Native app to a public store, which asset is commonly required in addition to the app binary?
Explanation: App stores universally require an app icon for display purposes and to represent your application visually to users. Uploading database files or user profiles is not part of the submission process and could raise privacy concerns. Source code submission is generally not required for distribution in these stores. Consistently, the app icon is the mandatory asset alongside your app binary.
What is the main purpose of signing your React Native application's binary before store submission?
Explanation: App signing is intended to verify the authenticity and integrity of the application binary, ensuring it has not been altered since being published. It does not optimize performance or reduce app size, as those are handled by separate build optimizations. App signing also does not speed up testing—it is a security measure required by the app stores.
Why is it essential to update your app's version number before submitting a new release to a store?
Explanation: Updating the app version ensures users receive new releases, as stores use this information to manage updates and display new versions for download. Changing the version number does not affect the interface, download speed, or permissions directly. Only an incremented version signals to the store and users that a newer release is available.
Which of the following is typically required for your app's store listing in addition to the APK or IPA file?
Explanation: A screenshot of the app helps present the application's features to potential users and is a mandatory store listing requirement. License keys, backup data files, or compiled C++ files are not part of the listing requirements and would not be accepted as substitutes or necessary elements. Screenshots aid users in making informed download decisions.
Before publishing a React Native app to the Play Store, which file do you typically generate to sign your app?
Explanation: The keystore file is essential for signing Android apps and must be created before building the release APK or App Bundle. A PDF certificate or manifest file does not serve the purpose of app signing. Text logs are unrelated to app authentication. Only the keystore file enables cryptographic signing, as required by the Play Store.
What is the function of a provisioning profile when deploying a React Native app to the App Store?
Explanation: A provisioning profile authorizes which devices can install and use an app during development and distribution. It plays no role in compressing the app, analyzing performance, or altering app aesthetics like colors. The inclusion of a valid provisioning profile is necessary for acceptance on the App Store and proper device targeting.
Why is updating your app's privacy policy information important before submitting updates to the stores?
Explanation: Store submission guidelines often require up-to-date privacy policies for user data protection compliance. Updating this does not affect the download size, add features, or provide extra developer tools. Keeping the privacy policy accurate and transparent is crucial for continuous availability in app stores.
What should you do to ensure your React Native app works on different devices before publishing it to a store?
Explanation: Testing on various devices ensures compatibility and a consistent user experience across screen sizes and hardware types. Merely reviewing code may catch logical errors but not device-specific issues. Increasing the app icon size or ignoring device testing won't reveal real-world behavior or bugs that surface only when running on actual devices.
What happens after you submit your React Native app for review on an app store?
Explanation: After submission, the app undergoes a review process to ensure it meets store policies and guidelines. Immediate availability is not guaranteed, as approval is required first. The source code is not deleted, and user reviews are unaffected by the submission of a new version. Only successful review will result in the app being published or updated publicly.