Glossary · Hosting & DevOps
Fastlane
Overview
What Fastlane is
Fastlane is an open-source, Ruby-based toolkit maintained by Google that automates the tedious parts of shipping mobile apps. You configure it with a 'Fastfile' that defines lanes—named sequences of actions like build, test, and deploy. Running a single command, locally or in CI, then executes the whole release pipeline the same way every time, removing manual steps and human error.
What it automates
Fastlane bundles focused tools: 'match' manages code-signing certificates and provisioning profiles across a team, 'gym' builds and packages the app, and 'scan' runs tests. 'snapshot' and 'screengrab' capture localized App Store screenshots, while 'deliver' and 'supply' upload builds and metadata to the App Store and Google Play. 'pilot' handles TestFlight beta distribution, so the whole path from commit to store is scripted.
How a mobile team uses Fastlane
For React Native, Flutter, and native builds, we integrate Fastlane with CI runners like GitHub Actions so a merge can trigger a signed build, automated tests, and a beta release without anyone touching Xcode. As part of app maintenance and support, this makes releases repeatable and low-risk—critical when you're shipping updates to production apps on a regular cadence.
Where we use it
Related Zen in Tech services
How our team puts Fastlane to work in real projects.
FAQ
Fastlane — common questions
Is Fastlane free?
Yes. Fastlane is free and open source, maintained by Google. You only pay for the CI minutes or build machines that run it, not for the tool itself.
Does Fastlane work with React Native and Flutter?
Yes. Fastlane automates the underlying native iOS and Android build and release steps, so it works for React Native, Flutter, and other cross-platform apps as well as fully native ones.
Fastlane vs Xcode Cloud or Expo EAS?
Fastlane is a flexible, self-hosted automation toolkit that runs on any CI; Xcode Cloud and Expo EAS are managed services. Fastlane offers more control and portability but requires more setup and maintenance.
Need Fastlane done right?
Book a free consultation and we’ll map the fastest, most cost-effective path for your project.
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