flutter-app-builder

# Flutter App Builder

Build production-ready Flutter apps with authentication, databases, and security features ready for App Store deployment.

## Development workflow

1. **Initialize project** - Create Flutter project structure with proper architecture
2. **Implement core features** - Add authentication, database, state management
3. **Add security** - Implement secure storage, API security, data encryption
4. **Prepare for deployment** - Configure app signing, store listings, build releases
5. **Deploy** - Submit to App Store and Google Play

## Project initialization

Start by copying the base template from `assets/flutter-template/` to create a well-structured Flutter project:

```bash
cp -r assets/flutter-template/ <project-name>
cd <project-name>
flutter pub get
```

The template includes:
- Clean architecture with feature-based organization
- State management setup (Provider/Riverpod)
- Navigation structure
- Theme configuration
- Common utilities

## Core feature implementation

### Authentication

For authentication patterns and implementation guides, see `references/authentication.md`.

Common patterns:
- **Firebase Auth**: Email/password, Google Sign-In, Apple Sign-In
- **Supabase Auth**: Similar to Firebase with PostgreSQL backend
- **Custom backend**: JWT tokens with secure storage

### Database integration

For database setup and patterns, see `references/database.md`.

Options:
- **Firebase Firestore**: Real-time NoSQL, good for most apps
- **Supabase**: PostgreSQL with real-time features
- **SQLite**: Local-first apps with offline support
- **Hive/Isar**: Fast local storage for Flutter

### State management

The template uses Provider by default. For complex apps, consider:
- **Riverpod**: Modern, compile-safe Provider
- **Bloc**: Structured state management with events
- **GetX**: All-in-one solution (state + routing + dependencies)

See `references/state-management.md` for implementation patterns.

## Security implementation

CRITICAL security practices:

1. **Secure storage**: Never store sensitive data in SharedPreferences
   - Use `flutter_secure_storage` for tokens, API keys
   - See `references/security.md` for patterns

2. **API security**: 
   - Use HTTPS only
   - Implement certificate pinning for sensitive apps
   - Store API keys in environment variables, not code

3. **Data encryption**:
   - Encrypt sensitive local data
   - Use encrypted databases for sensitive information

4. **Input validation**:
   - Validate all user inputs
   - Sanitize data before database operations

Full security checklist in `references/security.md`.

## App Store deployment

### Pre-deployment checklist

1. **Update app metadata**:
   - App name, version, build number
   - Bundle identifier (iOS) / Application ID (Android)
   - Icons and splash screens

2. **Configure signing**:
   - iOS: Generate certificates, provisioning profiles
   - Android: Generate signing keystore
   - See `references/deployment.md` for step-by-step

3. **Test thoroughly**:
   - Run on real devices (iOS and Android)
   - Test all features, especially authentication flows
   - Check performance and memory usage

4. **Build release versions**:
   ```bash
   flutter build ios --release
   flutter build appbundle --release
   ```

### Store submission

Complete submission guides in `references/deployment.md`:
- App Store Connect configuration
- Google Play Console setup
- Screenshots, descriptions, privacy policies
- Review guidelines compliance

## Testing and debugging

Use these scripts for common development tasks:

```bash
# Run with hot reload
flutter run

# Run tests
flutter test

# Analyze code quality
flutter analyze

# Check for outdated packages
flutter pub outdated
```

## Common patterns and solutions

For frequently needed implementations:
- **Push notifications**: See `references/features.md`
- **In-app purchases**: See `references/features.md`
- **Location services**: See `references/features.md`
- **Camera and image handling**: See `references/features.md`
- **API integration**: See `references/api-integration.md`

## Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions in `references/troubleshooting.md`.