Core Concepts

Understanding the core concepts of Source Push will help you effectively use the platform for your React Native app updates.

Over-The-Air Updates

Over-The-Air (OTA) updates allow you to deploy mobile app updates directly to your users' devices. With Source Push, you can:

• Fix bugs
• Add new features
• Update content
• All without going through the app store review process

Key Components

Apps

An app in Source Push represents your React Native application. You should create separate apps for:

• iOS and Android platforms
• Different versions of your application
• Different environments (e.g., development, staging, production)

Deployments

Deployments are channels through which you release updates. By default, each app has:

• Staging: For testing updates before production
• Production: For releasing updates to end users

You can create additional custom deployments for specific needs.

Deployment Keys

Each deployment has a unique key that your app uses to:

• Identify itself to the Source Push server
• Check for updates
• Download the correct version

Updates

Updates are the new versions of your JavaScript bundle and assets that you release. Each update:

• Has a unique label
• Can be mandatory or optional
• Can target specific app versions
• Can be rolled out gradually

Release

A release is the process of pushing an update to a deployment. When releasing, you can specify:

• Target binary version
• Release description
• Mandatory status
• Rollout percentage
• Disabled status

Update Lifecycle

1. Development: Create and test changes locally

2. Release: Push updates to a deployment

3. Distribution: Users receive update based on their:

   • App version
   • Deployment
   • Rollout eligibility

4. Installation: Updates are:

   • Downloaded in background
   • Applied on next app restart
   • Or immediately (if configured)

Best Practices

1. Testing:

   • Always test updates in Staging first
   • Use multiple deployments for different test scenarios
   • Verify updates across different app versions

2. Versioning:

   • Use semantic versioning for your app
   • Target specific binary versions for updates
   • Maintain compatibility between native and JS code

3. Deployment Strategy:

   • Start with gradual rollouts
   • Monitor update metrics
   • Be prepared to rollback if needed

Next Steps

Now that you understand the core concepts:

1. Set up your development environment
2. Create your first release
3. Learn about deployment strategies