HockeyApp vs fastlane: What are the differences?

1. Deployment Platforms: HockeyApp is primarily focused on providing a platform for beta distribution and crash reporting, while Fastlane is a set of tools used for automating the deployment process of iOS and Android apps. Fastlane supports multiple deployment platforms such as App Store, TestFlight, Google Play Store, etc., making it more versatile for developers.

2. Integration with CI/CD Tools: Fastlane is popular for its seamless integration with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, CircleCI, and Travis CI. It allows developers to automate the entire release process, including code signing, building, testing, and deployment, making it an ideal choice for continuous integration workflows.

3. Configuration Complexity: Fastlane offers a more flexible and customizable approach to configuration through its Fastfile, where various actions can be defined using Ruby scripting. On the other hand, HockeyApp provides a simpler configuration process through its web interface, which may be more suitable for teams looking for a quick setup.

4. Feature Set: HockeyApp focuses on providing essential features for beta testing and crash reporting, while Fastlane offers a wider range of tools and plugins for various tasks such as screenshots, code signing, and release automation. This difference in feature set makes Fastlane more suitable for complex app deployment scenarios.

5. Community Support: Fastlane has a large and active community of developers contributing plugins, sharing best practices, and offering support on forums like GitHub and Stack Overflow. This vibrant community ensures that developers using Fastlane have access to a wealth of resources and solutions to common issues.

6. Vendor Support: HockeyApp was acquired by Microsoft and is now part of Visual Studio App Center, providing users with integration with other Microsoft services. In contrast, Fastlane is an open-source project maintained by Google, ensuring continuous updates and improvements driven by community feedback and contributions.

In Summary, the key differences between HockeyApp and fastlane lie in their deployment platforms, integration with CI/CD tools, configuration complexity, feature set, community support, and vendor backing, making each tool suitable for different development needs.