Flutter combined with Fastlane Best Practices (CI/CD - Deployment)

Goal

Implements Fastlane for iOS/Android building, code signing, and deployment. Fastlane is an open-source Ruby script toolset. Although it is not a cloud CI platform (like GitHub Actions), it can run on top of any CI platform. It is widely recognized as the ultimate tool for handling the tedious compilation, certification, and submission processes for iOS/Android.

Instructions

1. Separation of Responsibilities

In Flutter development, the best way to combine tools is:

• Flutter CLI (flutter build): Responsible for compiling Dart code into native iOS projects or Android Bundles (AAB).
• Fastlane (fastlane gym/supply/deliver): Takes over subsequent Xcode/Gradle building, handling complex "Code Signing" and pushing to stores (TestFlight / Google Play Console).

2. Solving iOS Certificate Pain Points: fastlane match (⭐️ Absolutely Essential)

The most painful part of iOS development is syncing Certificates and Provisioning Profiles when a new team member joins.

fastlane match solution: Encrypt all certificates and centrally manage them in a private Git Repo.