Capgo, CapacitorJs plugin for Live update

Summary

In a detailed presentation, Martin, the founder of CGO, outlines how the platform enables live updates for capacitor applications, separating native and web code for efficient deployment. He explains the seamless background update process, emphasizing user experience and safety with automatic reversion in case of crashes. Martin discusses customizable update channels for developers and highlights the open-source nature of CGO, encouraging community involvement. His motivation stems from frustrations with traditional app updates, aiming to streamline the process and empower smaller teams to focus on user engagement without extensive native development resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 CGO enables live updates for Capacitor apps by allowing web component changes without App Store approval.
• 🚀 The architecture consists of native code (Swift or Android) and web code (HTML, JavaScript, CSS).
• 🔄 Updates to the native code require a formal App Store review, while updates to web components do not.
• 🌐 The CGO plugin checks for updates from a server in the background when the app is opened.
• 📥 If an update is available, it downloads automatically, typically installing when the app is closed to avoid user disruption.
• ⚠️ In case of a failed update, the system can revert to the previous version to maintain functionality.
• 📊 Developers can manage different update channels (e.g., production vs. development) for testing purposes.
• 🔒 The server acts as a trusted source, allowing for safer control over updates and preventing unauthorized changes.
• 💡 CGO is open-source, giving developers the freedom to customize their implementations while advising caution with custom logic.
• 📈 Martin created CGO to address frustrations with traditional app update processes, focusing on efficiency and user experience.

Q & A

What is CGO, and what is its primary function?

CGO is a platform developed to facilitate live updates for mobile applications built with Capacitor. Its primary function is to allow developers to update HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code without requiring app store reviews.

How does the update process work in CGO?

The CGO plugin checks for updates each time the app is opened. If an update is available, it downloads it in the background and applies the update when the app is closed, minimizing disruption to the user.

What are the advantages of using CGO for live updates?

CGO allows for real-time updates without app store delays, supports partial updates to save bandwidth, and provides a rollback mechanism if an update fails, ensuring a smoother user experience.

What is the significance of the native code in a Capacitor app?

The native code, which includes Swift for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android, is essential for handling core app functionalities and requires app store updates for any changes made to it.

What happens if an update causes the app to crash?

If an update crashes before the 'notify app ready' function is called, CGO will automatically revert to the previous version after a set timeout (default 10 seconds) to ensure the app remains functional.

Can developers control when updates occur in their app?

Yes, developers have control over the update process in CGO. They can choose to prompt users for confirmation before applying updates or manage updates through a server-side check for more control.

What is the purpose of channel management in CGO?

Channel management allows developers to create different update channels for various user groups, such as development and production, ensuring that specific users receive appropriate updates based on their roles.

How does CGO handle bandwidth concerns during updates?

CGO is designed to perform lightweight updates, with a focus on downloading only necessary files instead of the entire app bundle. This approach minimizes bandwidth usage, particularly important for mobile users.

Why was CGO created, according to its founder?

CGO was created out of frustration with traditional app store processes that delayed important updates. The founder experienced significant losses due to a slow review process when critical bugs needed immediate fixes.

What philosophy drives the development of CGO?

The founder believes in open source development, which is reflected in CGO's architecture. All components of CGO are open source, allowing community contributions and fostering collaboration.