Local Testing Guide

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Testing Methods

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Method 1: Development Server (Fastest)

# Start development server
npm run dev

# Or with specific port
npx expo start --port 8084

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Benefits

• ⚡ Fastest iteration
• 🔄 Hot reloading
• 🐛 Easy debugging with React DevTools
• 📱 Works with Expo Go

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Limitations

• Not production-like environment
• Some native features may not work in Expo Go

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Method 2: Local Production Builds (Recommended for TestFlight Debugging)

# Build iOS locally (production profile)
npx eas build --local --platform ios --profile production --non-interactive

# Build Android locally (production profile)
npx eas build --local --platform android --profile production --non-interactive

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Benefits

• 🎯 Most similar to TestFlight builds
• 🔧 Production optimizations enabled
• 📦 Same bundle as TestFlight
• ⚡ Faster than cloud builds

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Installing Local Builds

1. Open the generated .app file in Xcode
2. Connect your iOS device
3. Select your device in Xcode
4. Click “Run” to install

adb install path/to/your-app.apk

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Method 3: iOS Simulator

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Prerequisites

1. Install Xcode from App Store
2. Install Command Line Tools: xcode-select --install

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Running on Simulator

# List available simulators
xcrun simctl list devices available

# Run on specific simulator
npx expo run:ios --device "iPhone 15 Pro"

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Benefits

• 🖥️ No physical device needed
• 🔄 Fast iteration
• 🐛 Full debugging capabilities

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Method 4: Preview Builds (EAS)

# Build for internal testing
npx eas build --platform ios --profile preview
npx eas build --platform android --profile preview

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Benefits

• 📱 Install without App Store
• 🔗 Shareable via TestFlight or direct download
• 🎯 Good for team testing

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Debugging TestFlight Issues

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Step-by-Step Workflow

npx eas build --local --platform ios --profile production --non-interactive

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Common Issues & Solutions

# Check your certificates
npx eas credentials

# Update certificates if needed
npx eas credentials --platform ios

# Analyze bundle size
npx expo export --platform ios
npx @expo/bundle-analyzer dist/ios/index.bundle

# Check environment variables in EAS
npx eas env:list

# Compare with local .env file
cat .env

# Check for missing native modules
npx expo install --check

# Rebuild native code
npx expo prebuild --clean

# Quick cleanup
./cleanup-disk-space.sh

# Manual cleanup
rm -rf ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData/*
xcrun simctl delete unavailable
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/*

# Alternative: Use cloud builds
npx eas build --platform ios --profile production

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Quick Commands Reference

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Development

npm run dev                    # Start development server
npm run ios                    # Run on iOS simulator
npm run android                # Run on Android emulator

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Local Production Builds

npx eas build --local --platform ios --profile production --non-interactive
npx eas build --local --platform android --profile production --non-interactive

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Cloud Builds

npx eas build --platform ios --profile production
npx eas build --platform android --profile production

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Debugging

npx expo doctor                # Check for issues
npx expo install --check       # Check dependencies
npm run check-all              # Type check + lint

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Troubleshooting Checklist

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Before Building

• Run npm run check-all (no errors)
• Check environment variables are set
• Verify all dependencies are installed
• Test in development mode first

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During Build

• Monitor build logs for errors
• Check for missing certificates
• Verify bundle identifier matches
• Ensure version numbers are correct

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After Build

• Test on physical device
• Check crash logs
• Verify all features work
• Test with different user accounts

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Recommended Testing Strategy

npm run dev

npx eas build --local --platform ios --profile production

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Resources

• EAS Build Documentation
• Local Builds Guide
• iOS Code Signing
• Expo Debugging