Mobile application developers often face the challenge of ensuring that users install the latest version of an app. Outdated builds may contain bugs, lack important features, or affect performance. While developers can encourage updates, they cannot directly enforce them. Shorebird CLI provides a solution by allowing updates to be applied directly to users’ devices. Although currently available only for Android, support for iOS is planned.
This article outlines the role of Shorebird and the steps to integrate it with a Flutter application.
Contents
Overview of Shorebird
Shorebird is a code push service, also referred to as Over-The-Air Updates (OTA). This method is widely used in other fields, such as IoT devices, where frequent updates are necessary. The process involves creating a new build, uploading it to an update server, and distributing it to user devices through the internet. With Shorebird, Flutter developers can update their apps without waiting for users to manually download new versions from the Play Store.
Pricing
Earlier, Shorebird was not free to use. With its recent release, it now provides a free tier for small projects and demos, making it accessible to independent developers and teams interested in testing the service before scaling.
Installation and Setup
1. Windows
- Run the following commands in PowerShell:
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -scope CurrentUser # Allow execution of remote scripts
iwr -UseBasicParsing ‘https://raw.githubusercontent.com/shorebirdtech/install/main/install.ps1’ | iex
2. Mac/Linux
- Use the command:
curl -sSf https://raw.githubusercontent.com/shorebirdtech/install/main/install.sh | bash
- After installation, restart the terminal and check the setup with:
shorebird doctor
Even if a Flutter version mismatch is reported, the tool can still be used.
Account Creation
Create or log in to an account with:
- shorebird account create
- shorebird login
Authentication is handled through a Google account.
Initializing a Flutter Project
- Inside the project directory, run:
shorebird init
Confirm the application name, after which Shorebird creates a shorebird.yaml file.
- To run the app, continue using:
flutter run
(Note: shorebird run is not compatible with emulators.)
Releasing an Application
- Generate a release build with:
shorebird release android
This produces an app-release.aab file. It must be uploaded manually to the Google Play Console, since automatic deployment is not supported.
Applying Patches
- Once the first release is live, updates can be distributed using:
shorebird patch android
This command enables users to receive the latest update without downloading it manually from the store.
Professional Assistance
For businesses or development teams requiring guidance, Netstager Technologies, with a team of expert developers, provides support for Shorebird integration and project configuration.
What This Means for Developers
Shorebird CLI provides a structured approach for maintaining Flutter applications. By allowing developers to apply updates directly to devices, it reduces the risk of users running outdated versions. At the same time, developers should note the limitations: app stores generally do not permit updates that significantly change app behavior, and Shorebird does not support modifications to native code (Java/Kotlin on Android or Objective-C/Swift on iOS).
The tool is designed to detect and notify developers if such unsupported changes are attempted. Overall, Shorebird provides developers with a dependable way to manage app maintenance and ensure users always have access to the latest stable version.
For more information, visit the Shorebird website.
Success Stories: https://blog.netstager.com/how-we-build-high-performance-android-apps-for-business/
Also Read: https://blog.netstager.com/ai-driven-google-workspace-security/
