Packaging Your Thesis App for your College

*This guide is only applicable to the College of ICT, WVSU

Congratulations for making it up to this point! Now, you are now ready to submit your app as part of your final requirements for graduation. First you should check on what category your app belongs (Desktop, Web, Mobile) then follow the guidelines below:

Desktop App

If your thesis software will be deployed as a stand alone application, it is recommended that you package your app as an installer for your target operating system. As much as possible, your installer should handle the installation of all the dependencies required by your desktop app to run. If a dependency is too big or needs to be downloaded first, add instructions on how to properly install them inside a README file or put it in your thesis software manual. Desktop apps with database connections should also have deployment instructions. In addition, if you plan to submit a stand alone executable file (no installer) — submit a release build not a debug build. Debug builds of your thesis software will not be accepted.

Web App

Web apps on the other hand requires you to setup a local server first unless you already deployed your web app online. Add details in your README file on what kind of web server are you using and provide links if they need to be downloaded as well. Make sure that your web app is ready for production. You may also include your database setup and configuration files for faster testing and deployment.

Mobile App

Mobile apps submission is very tedious and requires you to add descriptions and create graphic assets for App Store deployment (CICT Apps). As of now, only Google Play Store deployment is available — iOS deployment is not yet possible at the moment. Kindly check the list below for the required additional contents for your app to be approved.

• Your app’s short description — maximum of 80 characters
• App’s full description — maximum of 4000 characters. Your app full description should not violate Google’s metadata policies
• Screenshots: JPEG or 24-bit PNG (no alpha). Min length for any side: 320px. Max length for any side: 3840px. At least 2 screenshots are required overall. Max 8 screenshots per type. For your app to be showcased in the ‘Designed for tablets’ list in the Play Store, you need to upload at least one 7-inch and one 10-inch screenshot. If you previously uploaded screenshots, make sure to move them into the right area below. — Google Play
• Hi-res icon: 512 x 512, 32-bit PNG (with alpha)
• Feature Graphic: 1024 w x 500 h, JPG or 24-bit PNG (no alpha) — A showcase graphics for your app. You can check this link for more samples.

Take note as well that you must publish your mobile app as release not debug build. Google Play Store is not accepting debug builds. To learn more on how to properly package your app you can checkout Google’s documentation. In Unity3D, you should sign your application with a keystore and uncheck the development build from the Android Player Settings.

Package Contents and Submission

The full package guide and submission details for your thesis software is publicly available on GitHub — wvsu-cict-code/thesis-software-package.