Understanding the Smart Launcher Release Process
Today, it's more important than ever for app developers to ensure their release processes are as robust and secure as possible. At Smart Launcher, we have developed a meticulous and multi-layered release process designed to ensure the stability and security of our updates, while still delivering exciting new features to our users.
1. Development and Internal Testing
Our release journey begins with the development of new features. Our team works to create and refine functionalities that enhance the user experience. Once we have a substantial set of updates ready, we compile them into a new build.
This initial build is first distributed to a small group of internal testers. This group consists of approximately ten members, including team members and trusted collaborators. This phase is crucial as it allows us to identify and rectify any major issues in a controlled environment before the build reaches a larger audience.
2. Community Testing on Telegram
Upon successful internal testing, the next phase involves releasing the build to our Telegram channel dedicated to testing, which comprises about 2,000 users. This stage allows us to gather feedback from a broader user base while still maintaining a relatively controlled testing environment.
Users on Telegram provide valuable insights and detailed reports on any issues they encounter.
3. Beta Release on the Play Store
If the build passes the Telegram testing phase without significant issues, we proceed to release it to our beta testers on the Play Store. This group includes approximately many hundred thousand users. This step is crucial as it exposes the build to a diverse range of devices and usage scenarios, helping us identify any remaining bugs or performance issues. The gradual rollout ensures that any potential problems can be addressed promptly without impacting the entire user base.
4. Gradual Production Release
The final step in our release process is the gradual rollout to all users on the Play Store. Once we are confident in the build's stability and performance, we start a phased release to the general public. This process typically takes about three days. By monitoring the rollout closely, we can quickly halt and address any unexpected issues, ensuring a smooth update experience for everyone.
Quality and User Experience
Our release process may seem cumbersome, but it is designed with the user experience in mind. Each phase acts as a safeguard, ensuring that by the time the build reaches the general public, it is as polished and reliable as possible. In the event that we encounter any problems at any stage, we are prepared to restart the process to maintain the highest standards of quality.
Why Haven’t I Received the Update Yet?
You might be wondering why some users receive the update before others. This staggered release is intentional and part of our strategy to maintain app stability. By gradually rolling out updates, we can monitor the build’s performance on a variety of devices and configurations. If any issues are detected, we can pause the rollout, fix the problems, and then resume. This ensures that when you receive the update, it has already been thoroughly tested and is less likely to cause any problems on your device.
For those eager to get the latest features as soon as possible, consider joining our beta testing program. This way, you can contribute to the testing process and experience new features earlier than the general public.
