APPCIRCLE.IO
Jenkins
Jenkins is an open-source automation server used in software development for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), providing basic automation for building, testing, and deploying code.
What is Jenkins?
Jenkins is an open-source automation server that facilitates continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) in software development. It automates tasks such as building, testing, and deploying code, streamlining the development process. Jenkins supports a wide range of plugins, allowing for customization to suit various tools and platforms.
Top Alternatives to Jenkins
- Comprehensive mobile app distribution platform.
- Supports self-hosted deployment and cloud options.
- Provides Testing Distribution and Enterprise App Store modules.
- Ideal for enterprises with complex security and distribution requirements.
- IAM & SSO (OpenID & SAML) integration for secure access.
- In-app updates.
- Public links for easy distribution.
- Apple Device Registration & Management [Ad Hoc].
- Enterprise App Store for in-house app distribution.
Others
Bitrise
Bitrise offers a restricted publish flow, lacks a self-hosted option, and does not provide signing identity management, which might impact flexibility and control for some teams.
Codemagic
Codemagic offers more restricted customization options, lacks a self-hosted option, and has limited testing distribution capabilities.
Xcode Cloud
Xcode Cloud offers support just for iOS development, providing a more limited range of pre-built workflow steps compared to alternatives and lacks a self-hosted option
FAQs
Appcircle vs. Jenkins
Compare Appcircle with Jenkins as Mobile CI/CD and DevOps tools and discover how Appcircle stands out.
Flexible Deployment Options
Every enterprise is unique and may require different deployment options, such as Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, or on-premise solutions. Appcircle addresses these needs with a portable, container-based architecture that aligns with your specific deployment requirements while also preventing cloud vendor lock-in. Whether you choose to deploy on GCP Public Cloud, on-premise, or privately via the AWS Marketplace, Appcircle meets your requirements.
Distribution Speed & Security
Multi-region secure CDNs ensure your app builds are globally accessible with optimized performance, even in regions with unique internet regulations. With encryption at rest and in transit, your packages are distributed securely.
Built for Purpose
Distribution platforms serve different purposes, such as Testing Distribution or deploying in-house apps to internal users via an Enterprise App Store. Appcircle offers dedicated modules tailored for each of these use cases.
IAM/SSO Integration
Comprehensive security with IAM/SSO integration, including Identity Providers such as Okta, Azure AD, and OneLogin, along with support for authentication protocols like LDAP, OpenID and SAML The platform also supports IAM role mapping (through LDAP and SSO), enabling seamless role and permission assignments based on identity provider groups for enhanced access control.
Apple Ad-Hoc Device Registration
Streamlined UDID registration for Apple devices with configuration profiles. The platform automatically adds device UDIDs to provisioning profiles, simplifying device management for app distribution and testing.
Re-signing Binaries for iOS and Android Apps
Support for re-signing iOS and Android binaries allows developers to re-sign apps with new certificates (iOS) or keystores (Android), ensuring app integrity and security.
CI Integration
Seamless integration with existing CI/CD tools is supported. With ready-to-use plugins for Azure DevOps, GitHub, Fastlane, Jenkins and more, plus API/CLI support, you can easily integrate Appcircle Distribution into your existing CI workflow.
End-to-End Platform
Many distribution tools offer only limited functionality for tasks such as building and publishing to app stores. If you plan to leverage these features, ensure the platform provides robust, comprehensive modules for Build, Signing Identity Management, and Publishing to Stores to fully address your needs.
Appcircle
Jenkins
Connect your repository and start building within seconds.
Jenkins setup is a tedious process and requires manual input.
GitHub, Bitbucket, Bitbucket (Self-Hosted), GitLab, GitLab (Self-Hosted)
Needs to connect to each provider through plugins.
Manage what to build using our GUI drag-and-drop interface.
Use workflow steps that are tailored and maintained for mobile development.
Jenkins uses plugins and most mobile development tools aren't supported.
Out of the Box Support for iOS (Obj-C / Swift), Android (Java / Kotlin), React Native, Flutter, .Net MAUI, Smartface
Needs to be maintained by engineers.
Xcode needs to be manually updated
New versions ready within 24hrs after release. You can choose any Xcode version from most recent to Xcode 10.
Xcode needs to be manually updated. Can't revert back to an older Xcode version.
Switch between M1 Macs and Intel Hardware.
Needs to be maintained by engineers
Hardware changes and migrations are manually handled by engineers.
Appcircle has its own testing distribution module. You can also connect to external third-party delivery systems like Firebase App Distribution, etc.
Needs to connect to a delivery system
Public Cloud, Private Cloud, On-premise, AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), Azure
Self Managed, can be manually deployed on AWS, GCP, Azure. No Public Cloud.
Supports LDAP group/role mapping, enabling seamless integration with your organization's directory services for effective and automated tester group management.
OpenID & SAML
Has a variety of login options from SAML and OpenID SSO, Google, GitHub and Bitbucket SSO. Two-Factor Authentication is also available for increased security
Security is single layered. Additional security can be added via plugins.
Closed Source License, Open-Source Workflow Steps
Fully Open-Source
On-Premise Runner Only
Run anywhere
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the authors. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. This comparison is based on their review of the product for market research purposes
Switching to another Mobile App Distribution Platform can be a complex decision. Switching to Appcircle is easy,however we've prepared this comparison to help you decide easier.
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