Android – How to test app update on Google Play

androidandroid-testinggoogle-play

Let's say I have the app in Google Play Store with version 1.0.

In the new version (1.1) I would like to upgrade the database with new columns.

Database upgrading is a common crash in my application because users in previous version (1.0) doesn't have the new columns in the database.

I have tried to use the Google Play Store's beta testing feature, but the problem is there is no effective way (or at least I haven't found one yet) to do the following:

Install a the current stable version (1.0) to the tester's device, then update the application to (1.1) – let's say we got an error during the playtest of the new updated version (1.1), I repair it (1.2) and I would like to repeat the procedure, I would like to install the 1.0 stable app to the tester's device and yet again I would like to update the app to 1.2 (with the resolved error)

The only way (as far as I concern) is to remove the beta tester from the beta testing list (could take hours to refresh in Google Play systems), re-download the 1.0 application, re-add the tester to the beta testing list, (again waiting hours) and download the new 1.2 application.

Is there a more sophisticated way to test app version updates?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT:

It would be nice if I could do this with other people testing my app. So the less programing and command prompt usage needed the solution is the better.

Best Answer

You don't need the Play Store for testing database upgrade.
You can just use an emulator. Drag&Drop version 1.0 (this will install the app), open the app, and Drag&Drop version 1.1.

There isn't any real "upgrade" feature. It's just an install of the new version.

By the way, you can add the news columns in onUpgrade of SQLiteOpenHelper.

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