Cordova PhoneGap Ionic

Configure Branch

• Complete your Branch Dashboard

Configure App

<!-- sample config.xml -->
    <widget id="com.eneff.branch.cordovatestbed" version="0.0.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/ns/widgets" xmlns:cdv="http://cordova.apache.org/ns/1.0">
      <!-- Branch -->
      <plugin name="branch-cordova-sdk" spec="^4.0.0" />
      <branch-config>
        <branch-key value="key_live_ndqptlgXNE4LHqIahH1WIpbiyFlb62J3" />
        <uri-scheme value="branchcordova" />
        <link-domain value="cordova.app.link" />  <!-- Required app.link domain -->
        <link-domain value="cordova-alternate.app.link" />  <!-- Required alternate.app.link domain -->
        <ios-team-release value="PW4Q8885U7" />
      </branch-config>

<!-- sample config.xml -->
    <widget id="com.eneff.branch.cordovatestbed" version="1.0.0" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/ns/widgets" xmlns:gap="http://phonegap.com/ns/1.0">
      <!-- Branch -->
      <plugin name="branch-cordova-sdk" spec="^4.0.0" />
      <branch-config>
        <branch-key value="key_live_ndqptlgXNE4LHqIahH1WIpbiyFlb62J3" />
        <uri-scheme value="branchcordova" />
        <link-domain value="cordova.app.link" />  <!-- Required app.link domain -->
        <link-domain value="cordova-alternate.app.link" />  <!-- Required alternate.app.link domain -->
        <ios-team-release value="PW4Q8885U7" />
      </branch-config>

• Change the following values to match your Branch Dashboard

• com.eneff.branch.cordovatestbed

• key_live_ndqptlgXNE4LHqIahH1WIpbiyFlb62J3

• branchcordova

• cordova.app.link

• PW4Q8885U7

Initialize Branch

// sample index.js
    var app = {
      initialize: function() {
        this.bindEvents();
      },
      bindEvents: function() {
        document.addEventListener('deviceready', this.onDeviceReady, false);
        document.addEventListener('resume', this.onDeviceResume, false);
      },
      onDeviceReady: function() {
        app.handleBranch();
      },
      onDeviceResume: function() {
        app.handleBranch();
      },
      handleBranch: function() {
        // Branch initialization
        Branch.initSession().then(function(data) {
          if (data['+clicked_branch_link']) {
            // read deep link data on click
            alert('Deep Link Data: ' + JSON.stringify(data));
          }
        });
      }
    };

    app.initialize();

// sample app.js
    angular.module('starter', ['ionic', 'starter.controllers', 'starter.services'])

    .run(function($ionicPlatform) {
      $ionicPlatform.ready(function() {
        if (window.cordova && window.cordova.plugins && window.cordova.plugins.Keyboard) {
          cordova.plugins.Keyboard.hideKeyboardAccessoryBar(true);
          cordova.plugins.Keyboard.disableScroll(true);
        }
        if (window.StatusBar) {
          StatusBar.styleDefault();
        }

        // Branch
        $ionicPlatform.on('deviceready', function() {
          handleBranch();
        });

        $ionicPlatform.on('resume', function() {
          handleBranch();
        });

        function handleBranch() {
          // Branch initialization
          Branch.initSession().then(function(data) {
            if (data['+clicked_branch_link']) {
              // read deep link data on click
              alert('Deep Link Data: ' + JSON.stringify(data));
            }
          });
        }
      });
    })
    // ...

// sample app.component.js
      import { Component } from '@angular/core';
      import { Platform } from 'ionic-angular';
      import { StatusBar, Splashscreen } from 'ionic-native';

      import { TabsPage } from '../tabs/tabs

      @Component({
        template: `<ion-nav [root]="rootPage"></ion-nav>`
      })
      export class MyApp {
        rootPage = TabsPage;

        constructor(platform: Platform) {
          platform.ready().then(() => {
            StatusBar.styleDefault();
            Splashscreen.hide();
            handleBranch();
          });

          platform.resume.subscribe(() => {
            handleBranch();
          });

          // Branch initialization
          const handleBranch = () => {
            // only on devices
            if (!platform.is('cordova')) { return }
            const Branch = window['Branch'];
            Branch.initSession().then(data => {
              if (data['+clicked_branch_link']) {
                // read deep link data on click
                alert('Deep Link Data: ' + JSON.stringify(data));
              }
            });
          }
        }
      }

Test deep link iOS

• Create a deep link from the Branch Dashboard

• Delete your app from the device

• Compile your app (cordova run ios phonegap run ios ionic run ios)

• Paste deep link in Apple Notes

• Long press on the deep link (not 3D Touch)

• Click Open in "APP_NAME" to open your app

Test deep link Android

• Create a deep link from the Branch Dashboard

• Delete your app from the device

• Compile your app (cordova run android phonegap run android ionic run android)

• Paste deep link in Google Hangouts

• Click on the deep link to open your app

Implement Features

Initialize Branch features

• Loads Branch into your app

• Must be called on deviceready and resume

// for development and debugging only
    Branch.setDebug(true)

    // for GDPR compliance (can be called at anytime)
    Branch.disableTracking(true);

    // Branch initialization
    Branch.initSession().then(function(data) {
      if (data['+clicked_branch_link']) {
        // read deep link data on click
        alert('Deep Link Data: ' + JSON.stringify(data))
      }
    })

Create content reference

• The Branch Universal Object encapsulates the thing you want to share (content or user)

• Uses the Universal Object Properties

// only canonicalIdentifier is required
    var properties = {
      canonicalIdentifier: 'content/123',
      canonicalUrl: 'https://example.com/content/123',
      title: 'Content 123 Title',
      contentDescription: 'Content 123 Description ' + Date.now(),
      contentImageUrl: 'http://lorempixel.com/400/400/',
      price: 12.12,
      currency: 'GBD',
      contentIndexingMode: 'private',
      contentMetadata: {
        custom: 'data',
        testing: 123,
        this_is: true
      }
    }

    // create a branchUniversalObj variable to reference with other Branch methods
    var branchUniversalObj = null
    Branch.createBranchUniversalObject(properties).then(function (res) {
      branchUniversalObj = res
      alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res))
    }).catch(function (err) {
      alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err))
    })

Create deep link

• Creates a deep link URL with encapsulated data

• Needs a Branch Universal Object

• Uses Deep Link Properties

• Validate with the Branch Dashboard

// optional fields
    var analytics = {
      channel: 'facebook',
      feature: 'onboarding',
      campaign: 'content 123 launch',
      stage: 'new user',
      tags: ['one', 'two', 'three']
    }

    // optional fields
    var properties = {
      $desktop_url: 'http://www.example.com/desktop',
      $android_url: 'http://www.example.com/android',
      $ios_url: 'http://www.example.com/ios',
      $ipad_url: 'http://www.example.com/ipad',
      $match_duration: 2000,
      custom_string: 'data',
      custom_integer: Date.now(),
      custom_boolean: true
    }

    branchUniversalObj.generateShortUrl(analytics, properties).then(function (res) {
      alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res.url))
    }).catch(function (err) {
      alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err))
    })

Share deep link

• Will generate a Branch deep link and tag it with the channel the user selects

• Needs a Branch Universal Object

• Uses Deep Link Properties

// optional fields
    var analytics = {
      channel: 'facebook',
      feature: 'onboarding',
      campaign: 'content 123 launch',
      stage: 'new user',
      tags: ['one', 'two', 'three']
    }

    // optional fields
    var properties = {
      $desktop_url: 'http://www.example.com/desktop',
      custom_string: 'data',
      custom_integer: Date.now(),
      custom_boolean: true
    }

    var message = 'Check out this link'

    // optional listeners (must be called before showShareSheet)
    branchUniversalObj.onShareSheetLaunched(function (res) {
      // android only
      console.log(res)
    })
    branchUniversalObj.onShareSheetDismissed(function (res) {
      console.log(res)
    })
    branchUniversalObj.onLinkShareResponse(function (res) {
      console.log(res)
    })
    branchUniversalObj.onChannelSelected(function (res) {
      // android only
      console.log(res)
    })

    // share sheet
    branchUniversalObj.showShareSheet(analytics, properties, message)

Read deep link

• Retrieve Branch data from a deep link

• Best practice to receive data from the listener (to prevent a race condition)

• Returns deep link properties

• Listener

// Branch initialization within your deviceready and resume
    Branch.initSession().then(function success(res) {
      if (res["+clicked_branch_link"]) {
        alert("Open app with a Branch deep link: " + JSON.stringify(res));
        // Branch quick link: https://cordova.app.link/uJcOH1IFpM
        // Branch web link: https://cordova-alternate.app.link/uJcOH1IFpM
        // Branch dynamic link: https://cordova.app.link?tags=one&tags=two&tags=three&channel=Copy&feature=onboarding&stage=new+user&campaign=content+123+launch&type=0&duration=0&source=android&data
        // Branch uri scheme: branchcordova://open?link_click_id=link-500015444967786346
        // Branch android intent: intent://open?link_click_id=518106399270344237#Intent;scheme=looprocks;package=com.eneff.branch.cordovatestbed;S.browser_fallback_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcordova.app.link%2FuJcOH1IFpM%3F__branch_flow_type%3Dchrome_deepview%26__branch_flow_id%3D518106399312287278;S.market_referrer=link_click_id-518106399270344237%26utm_source%3DCopy%26utm_campaign%3Dcontent%20123%20launch%26utm_feature%3Donboarding;S.branch_data=%7B%22~feature%22%3A%22onboarding%22%2C%22this_is%22%3A%22true%22%2C%22custom_string%22%3A%22data%22%2C%22testing%22%3A%22123%22%2C%22%24publicly_indexable%22%3A%22false%22%2C%22%24desktop_url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.example.com%2Fdesktop%22%2C%22%24one_time_use%22%3Afalse%2C%22custom_object%22%3A%22%7B%5C%5C%5C%22random%5C%5C%5C%22%3A%5C%5C%5C%22dictionary%5C%5C%5C%22%7D%22%2C%22~id%22%3A%22517795540654792902%22%2C%22~campaign%22%3A%22content%20123%20launch%22%2C%22%2Bclick_timestamp%22%3A1524764418%2C%22%2Burl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fcordova.app.link%2FuJcOH1IFpM%22%2C%22custom_boolean%22%3A%22true%22%2C%22custom%22%3A%22data%22%2C%22source%22%3A%22android%22%2C%22%24og_image_url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Florempixel.com%2F400%2F400%2F%22%2C%22%2Bdomain%22%3A%22cordova.app.link%22%2C%22custom_integer%22%3A%221524690301794%22%2C%22~tags%22%3A%5B%22one%22%2C%22two%22%2C%22three%22%5D%2C%22custom_array%22%3A%22%5B1%2C2%2C3%2C4%2C5%5D%22%2C%22~channel%22%3A%22Copy%22%2C%22~creation_source%22%3A2%2C%22%24canonical_identifier%22%3A%22content%2F123%22%2C%22%24og_title%22%3A%22Content%20123%20Title%22%2C%22%24og_description%22%3A%22Content%20123%20Description%201524690296449%22%2C%22%24identity_id%22%3A%22453670943617990547%22%2C%22~stage%22%3A%22new%20user%22%2C%22%2Bclicked_branch_link%22%3Atrue%2C%22%2Bmatch_guaranteed%22%3Atrue%2C%22%2Bis_first_session%22%3Afalse%7D;B.branch_intent=true;end
        // Branch android app link (device controlled): https://cordova.app.link/uJcOH1IFpM
        // Branch ios universal link (device controlled): https://cordova.app.link/uJcOH1IFpM
      } else if (res["+non_branch_link"]) {
        alert("Open app with a non Branch deep link: " + JSON.stringify(res));
        // Competitor uri scheme: anotherurischeme://hello=world
      } else {
        alert("Open app organically");
        // Clicking on app icon or push notification
      }
    })
    .catch(function error(err) {
      logger(err, true);
    });

• Latest data

Branch.getLatestReferringParams().then(function(res) {
  alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res))
}).catch(function(err) {
  alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err))
})

• First data

Branch.getFirstReferringParams().then(function(res) {
  alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res))
}).catch(function(err) {
  alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err))
})

NativeLink™ Deferred Deep Linking (iOS Only)

• Use iOS pasteboard to enable deferred deep linking via Branch NativeLink™

Prerequisites

Make sure the underlying iOS SDK Version is v1.39.4+

To use this feature you must:

• Enable NativeLink™ Deep Linking in the Branch Dashboard Configuration tab
  or

• Manually configure your Branch Link to use $ios_clipboard_deepview

Implement one of the pasteboard opt-in options in the native iOS SDK code.

Please note that deferred deep linking is part of our Engagement package. Learn more on our pricing page.

Create QR Code

• Set your Qr Code Settings

• Set your Analytics and Link Properties

• Use getBranchQRCode() to create a QR code.

var qrCodeSettings = {
        width: 2000,
        codeColor: "#3b2016",
        backgroundColor: "#a8e689",
        centerLogo: "https://cdn.britannica.com/95/156695-131-FF89C9FA/oak-tree.jpg",
        margin: 4,
        imageFormat: "PNG"
    };

    var analytics = {
        channel: "facebook",
        feature: "onboarding",
        campaign: "content 123 launch",
        stage: "new user",
        tags: ["one", "two", "three"],
        alias: document.getElementById("alias").value
      };
    
    var properties = {
        $desktop_url: "http://www.example.com/desktop",
        $android_url: "http://www.example.com/android",
        $ios_url: "http://www.example.com/ios",
        $ipad_url: "http://www.example.com/ipad",
        $deeplink_path: "content/123",
        $match_duration: 2000,
        custom_string: "data",
        custom_integer: Date.now(),
        custom_boolean: true
    };
    
    
    if (branchUniversalObj === null) {
        alert("Need to Generate Branch Universal Object");
        return;
    }
      
    Branch
    .getBranchQRCode(qrCodeSettings, branchUniversalObj, analytics, properties)
    .then(function success(res) {
        document.getElementById("qrCodeImage").src = "data:image/png;base64, " + res;
    })
    .catch(function error(err) {
        alert(err, true);
    });

Access

Basic Branch QR Codes are included in the free tier of the Branch Growth Platform.

For more advanced QR Code capabilities, see our Engagement Pro package, which includes access to the QR Code API as well as the ability to create custom QR Codes in the Branch Dashboard.

Navigate to content

• Handled within Branch.initSession()

• Branch allows you to pass any custom key-value from URLs to your app. Use this data to navigate to content, display a personalized welcome screen, login a user, offer a promotion, etc.

Branch.initSession().then(function(data) {
      if (data['+clicked_branch_link']) {
        // option 1: save to model to be used later
        window.localStorage['branchData'] = data;

        // option 2: navigate to page
        window.location.href = '#/content/123'

        // option 3: display data
        alert(JSON.stringify(data));
      }
    });

Display content

• List content on iOS Spotlight

• Needs a Branch Universal Object

branchUniversalObj.listOnSpotlight().then(function (res) {
  alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res))
}).catch(function (err) {
  alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err))
})

Track content

• Track how many times a piece of content is viewed

• Needs a Branch Universal Object

• Validate with the Branch Dashboard

branchUniversalObj.registerView().then(function (res) {
  alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res))
}).catch(function (err) {
  alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err))
})

Track users

• Sets the identity of a user (ID, UUID, etc) for events, deep links, and referrals

• Validate with the Branch Dashboard

var userId = '123456'
    Branch.setIdentity(userId).then(function (res) {
      alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res))
    }).catch(function (err) {
      alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err.message))
    })

• Removes the identity of a user

Branch.logout().then(function (res) {
      alert('Response: ' + JSON.stringify(res))
    }).catch(function (err) {
      alert('Error: ' + JSON.stringify(err.message))
    })

Track events

• Registers a custom event

• Events named open, close, install, and referred session are Branch restricted

• Best to Track users before Track events to associate a custom event to a user

• Validate with the Branch Dashboard

var eventName = 'clicked_on_this';
var metadata = { 'custom_dictionary': 123, 'anything': 'everything' };
Branch.sendBranchEvent(eventName, metadata);

var eventName = 'clicked_on_this';
Branch.sendBranchEvent(eventName);

Track commerce

• Registers a custom commerce event

• Uses Track commerce properties for Currency and Category

• Validate with the Branch Dashboard

Branch.getStandardEvents().then(function success(res) {
  var event = res.STANDARD_EVENT_ADD_TO_CART;
  var properties = {
        transactionID: '12344555',
        currency: 'USD',
        revenue: 1.5,
        shipping: 10.2,
        tax: 12.3,
        coupon: 'test_coupon',
        affiliation: 'test_affiliation',
        description: 'Test add to cart event',
        searchQuery: 'test keyword',
        customData: {
          "Custom_Event_Property_Key1": "Custom_Event_Property_val1",
          "Custom_Event_Property_Key2": "Custom_Event_Property_val2"
        },
        contentMetadata: [
          {
            "$content_schema": "COMMERCE_PRODUCT",
            "$og_title": "Nike Shoe",
            "$og_description": "Start loving your steps",
            "$og_image_url": "http://example.com/img1.jpg",
            "$canonical_identifier": "nike/1234",
            "$publicly_indexable": false,
            "$price": 101.2,  
            "$locally_indexable": true,
            "$sku": "1101123445",
            "$product_name": "Runner",
            "$product_brand": "Nike",
            "$product_category": "Sporting Goods",
            "$product_variant": "XL",
            "$creation_timestamp": 1499892854966
          },
          {
            "$content_schema": "COMMERCE_PRODUCT",
            "$og_title": "Adidas Shoe",
            "$og_description": "Start loving your steps",
            "$og_image_url": "http://example.com/img1.jpg",
            "$canonical_identifier": "adidas/1234",
            "$publicly_indexable": false,
            "$price": 90.2,
            "$locally_indexable": true,
            "$sku": "1101123445",
            "$product_name": "Runner",
            "$product_brand": "Adidas",
            "$product_category": "Sporting Goods",
            "$product_variant": "XL",
            "$creation_timestamp": 1499892854967
          }
        ],
      };

  Branch.sendBranchEvent(event, properties);
}).catch(function error(err) {
  alert("Get Standard Event " + err);
});

Troubleshoot Issues

Testing: Key Points

• Need to select "app uses IDFA or GAID" when publishing your app

• Best to enable Deepviews (Testing: Supported Platforms)

• Mobile browser capability: Android 4.4.4+, Safari 8+, Chrome 32+, Firefox 29+

Testing: Optional App Config

• Additional configuration for custom link domains, simulating installs, unique bundle identifiers, etc

<!-- sample config.xml -->
    <widget id="com.eneff.branch.cordovatestbed" version="1.0.0" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/ns/widgets" xmlns:cdv="http://cordova.apache.org/ns/1.0">
      <!-- Branch -->
      <plugin name="branch-cordova-sdk" spec="^4.0.0" /> <!-- optional spec -->
      <branch-config>
        <branch-key value="key_live_ndqptlgXNE4LHqIahH1WIpbiyFlb62J3" />
        <uri-scheme value="branchcordova" />
        <link-domain value="yourcustomdomain.com" />
        <link-domain value="cordova.app.link" />  <!-- optional previous link domain -->
        <link-domain value="bnc.lt" />  <!-- optional previous link domain -->
        <ios-team-release value="PW4Q8885U7" /> <!-- required if iOS app -->
        <ios-team-debug value="FG35JLLMXX" /> <!-- optional -->
        <android-prefix value="/WSuf" /> <!-- optional (for bnc.lt) -->
        <android-testmode value="true" /> <!-- optional (simulate installs) -->
      </branch-config>
      
      
 <widget ios-CFBundleIdentifier="com.eneff.branch.cordovatestbedios" android-packageName="com.eneff.branch.cordovatestbedandroid" version="1.0.0" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/ns/widgets" xmlns:cdv="http://cordova.apache.org/ns/1.0">

Testing: Branch Analytics

• Whenever a user clicks on a deep link and opens the app, and will trigger either an install or an open

• installs represent Branch recognizing the app_id and device_id for the first time

• installs represent new app users and the success rate of your Branch deep links

• installs do not represent App Store downloads

• non-Branch installs are installs outside of Branch deep link clicks

• opens are non-installs

• If a user uninstalls and reinstalls the app, this will be an open because Branch recognizes the device

• If a user has the app and clicks a Branch deep link, this will be an open because the user is not new

Testing: Simulating an Install

• Delete your app

• [iOS] iPhone Device -> Settings -> Privacy -> Advertising -> Reset Advertising Identifier -> Reset Identifier

• [Android] Add  to your config.xml (Testing: Optional App Config)

• Add Branch.setDebug(true); before Branch.initSession(); (Initialize Branch Features)

• Click on a deep link to navigate to your $fallback_url because your app is not installed

• Install your app

• Open your app

• Read from Branch.initSession().then(data) for +is_first_session = true

Testing: Supported Platforms

• Apps which support Branch deep links

Link Data: Universal Object properties

• For Create content reference

Link Data: Deep Link Properties

• For Create Deep Link and Share Deep Link

• Analytics

• Properties

  • Custom Data

• Redirection

- Deep Link

- Content

- DeepView

- Open Graph

- Twitter

Link Data: Commerce properties

• For Track commerce

• Categories

• Currencies

Link data: Mixpanel Integration

• Sync with Mixpanel if plugin is installed

Branch.setRequestMetadata("$mixpanel_distinct_id", "123");

Compiling: Cordova dependencies

• Node

/usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)";
brew update;
brew install node;

• Xcode

  • Install Xcode

  • Open Xcode -> agree to SDK license agreement

  • Open Xcode -> Create new Xcode project -> Run simulator -> Agree to developer mode on mac

• Android Studio

  • Read instructions

  • Install JVM

  • Install Android Studio

  • Open Android Studio -> configure -> appearance/system settings/android sdk -> android 6.0 -> Okay

  • Open Android Studio -> New project -> ... -> Run -> Create new emulator -> Nexus 6p 23 -> Finish

# add to ~/.bash_profile
export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Library/Android/sdk
export PATH=$ANDROID_HOME/tools:$PATH
export PATH=$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools:$PATH


source ~/.bash_profile;


android update sdk;

• Install Android SDK build-tools 24.0.1

• Generate Android Keystore

keytool -genkeypair -dname "cn=Full Name, ou=Business Unit, o=Company, c=US" -alias release -keypass aaa111 -keystore release.keystore -storepass aaa111 -validity 10000
keytool -list -v -keystore release.keystore

• Genymotion [optional]

  • Install Virtual Box

  • Install Genymotion

  • Genymotion -> Add virtual device -> Google Nexus 6P - 6.0.0 - API 23 -> Next

Compiling: Display console logs

• iOS Simulator

  • cordova run ios;

  • Safari -> Preferences -> Advance -> Show Develop menu in menu bar

  • Safari -> Develop -> Simulator -> index.html -> Console

  • May need to unplug and replug device

  • May need to open Xcode and update provisioning profile

• iOS Xcode

  • cordova plugin add cordova-plugin-console;

  • cordova build ios;

  • Xcode -> APP_LOCATION/platforms/ios/APP_NAME.Xcodeproj

  • Xcode -> App -> General -> Signing -> Team

  • Xcode -> Product -> Run

  • Xcode -> View -> Debug Area -> Activate Console

• Android Device

  • Plug device in

  • cordova run android;

  • Chrome -> [chrome://inspect/#devices](chrome://inspect/#devices) -> Console

• Android Genymotion

  • Genymotion ->Start

  • cordova run android;

  • Chrome -> [chrome://inspect/#devices](chrome://inspect/#devices) -> Console

Compiling: Update the Branch SDK

• To get the latest improvements and capabilities

# terminal
cordova plugin remove io.branch.sdk
cordova plugin remove branch-cordova-sdk

<!-- config.xml -->
<plugin name="branch-cordova-sdk" spec="^4.0.0" />

• Test Deep Link iOS

• Test Deep Link Android

Compiling: Incompatibilities

• The following plugins will not work with the Branch SDK

  • Custom URL scheme

  • Cordova Universal Links Plugin

  • Ionic Deeplinks Plugin

• PhoneGap Build is also not supported by the Branch SDK because we need plugin hooks to enable Entitlements, Universal Links, App Links, and URI Scheme redirects but PhoneGap Build does not allow plugin hooks.

• With both the 'branch-cordova-sdk' plugin and the 'cordova-plugin-siri-shortcuts' plugin installed, deep-linking breaks. This seems to most often happen when the siri shortcuts plugin is installed after the branch plugin.

  • Solution

    • Using a modified version of the AppDelegate+SiriShortcuts Category to include Branch. This version only works if both Branch and SiriShortcuts is present.

    • From within the Xcode workspace, locate AppDelegate+BranchSDK.m. Either remove it or ignore it.

    • From within the Xcode workspace, locate AppDelegate+SiriShortcuts.m. This is the file we want to modify.

    • Update AppDelegate+SiriShortcuts.m to call Branch SDK. This version should work when dropped in with the current release of both SDKs.

#import "AppDelegate+SiriShortcuts.h"
    #import <objectivec/runtime.h>

    #import "BranchNPM.h"

    #ifdef BRANCH_NPM
    #import "Branch.h"
    #else
    #import <Branch/Branch.h>
    #endif

    static void * UserActivityPropertyKey = &UserActivityPropertyKey;

    @implementation AppDelegate (siriShortcuts)

    - (NSUserActivity *)userActivity {
        return objectivec_getAssociatedObject(self, UserActivityPropertyKey);
    }

    - (void)setUserActivity:(NSUserActivity *)activity {
        objectivec_setAssociatedObject(self, UserActivityPropertyKey, activity, objectivec_ASSOCIATION_RETAIN_NONATOMIC);
    }

    - (BOOL)application:(UIApplication *)application continueUserActivity:(NSUserActivity *)userActivity restorationHandler:(void (^)(NSArray *))restorationHandler {

        // SiriShortcuts code
        NSString *bundleIdentifier = [[NSBundle mainBundle] bundleIdentifier];
        if ([userActivity.activityType isEqualToString:[NSString stringWithFormat:@"%@.shortcut", bundleIdentifier]]) {
            self.userActivity = userActivity;
        }

        // Respond to Universal Links
        if (![[Branch getInstance] continueUserActivity:userActivity]) {
            // send unhandled URL to notification
            if ([userActivity.activityType isEqualToString:NSUserActivityTypeBrowsingWeb]) {
                [[NSNotificationCenter defaultCenter] postNotification:[NSNotification notificationWithName:@"BSDKPostUnhandledURL" object:[userActivity.webpageURL absoluteString]]];
            }
        }

        return YES;
    }

    // Respond to URI scheme links
    - (BOOL)application:(UIApplication *)app openURL:(NSURL *)url options:(NSDictionary<UIApplicationOpenURLOptionsKey,id> *)options {
        // pass the url to the handle deep link call
        if (![[Branch getInstance] application:app openURL:url options:options]) {
            // do other deep link routing for the Facebook SDK, Pinterest SDK, etc
            [[NSNotificationCenter defaultCenter] postNotification:[NSNotification notificationWithName:CDVPluginHandleOpenURLNotification object:url]];
            // send unhandled URL to notification
            [[NSNotificationCenter defaultCenter] postNotification:[NSNotification notificationWithName:@"BSDKPostUnhandledURL" object:[url absoluteString]]];
        }
        return YES;
    }

    // Respond to Push Notifications
    - (void)application:(UIApplication *)application didReceiveRemoteNotification:(NSDictionary *)userInfo {
        @try {
            [[Branch getInstance] handlePushNotification:userInfo];
        }
        @catch (NSException *exception) {
            [[NSNotificationCenter defaultCenter] postNotification:[NSNotification notificationWithName:@"BSDKPostUnhandledURL" object:userInfo]];
        }
    }

    @end

Compiling: Cordova errors

Migrate from SDK 2.5+ to 3.0+

// Branch initialization
- Branch.initSession(function(data) {
+ Branch.initSession().then(function(data) {
if (data["+clicked_branch_link"]) {
// read deep link data on click
alert("Deep Link Data: " + JSON.stringify(data));
}
});

Device only

• Error
  ORIGINAL EXCEPTION: Branch is not defined
ReferenceError: Branch is not defined

• Solution

  • Branch opens and installs your app, so you cannot simulate Branch in the desktop browser or simulator

// Ionic 2/3 - running on browser instead of device
if (!platform.is('cordova')) { return }
Branch.userCompletedAction('did_this')


// Ionic 2/3 - missing Branch import
const Branch = window['Branch'];

Provisioning Profile missing

• Error

** ARCHIVE FAILED **

The following build commands failed:
Check dependencies
    (1 failure)
    Error: Error code 65 for command: xcodebuild with args: -xcconfig,cordova/build-debug.xcconfig,-workspace,Branch Testing.xcworkspace,-scheme,Branch Testing,-configuration,Debug,-destination,generic/platform=iOS,-archivePath,Branch Testing.xcarchive,archive,CONFIGURATION_BUILD_DIR=build/device,SHARED_PRECOMPS_DIR=build/sharedpch

No profiles for 'com.eneff.branch.cordova_testbed' were found

• Solution

  • Fix by opening your app in Xcode and launch from there (to select a Provisioning Profile)

Invalid bundle id

• Error

An invalid value 'XC com eneff branch cordova_testbed' was provided for the parameter 'appIdName'.


Error: Error code 1 for command: /gradlew with args: cdvBuildDebug,-b,/build.gradle,-Dorg.gradle.daemon=true,-Pandroid.useDeprecatedNdk=true

• Solution

  • Don't use cordova, hyphens (Android), or underscores (iOS) in your bundle id (widget id)

File not found

• Error

Branch.h not found

• Solution

  • If that is the ONLY error you see, this can be fixed by upgrading dependencies. Ensure you are using version 4.0.1 of this plugin or higher and have updated your Xcode, Cordova, and other dependencies (listed below) to the latest versions. This error arose due to an inability in CocoaPods and cordova-ios to resolve dependencies that was later fixed.

  • Sometimes this error occurs when a build error occurs in the Pod project; since Branch is usually the first pod alphabetically, it'll show up as the error when attempting to build the main project (since the Pod didn't get built), even though the real error is elsewhere. Make sure to read your build log to find the original error that prevented building the Pod project.

Build fails with Pods

• iOS build fails with Pods and CONFIGURATION_BUILD_DIR configured

• Command-line builds result in the above error. Please see the section below Compiling: Capacitor for the full list of up-to-date dependencies needed for CLI builds to work.

Compiling: Cordova 8

• Version 4.1.x of this plugin works with Cordova 8, but you need to add some fields to your config.xml file:

• Cordova 8 does not correctly support CocoaPods, which the 4.x releases of this plugin utilize

• This plugin can't include both versions of the pod spec, which changed between Cordova 8 and Cordova 9. We have chosen to include the Cordova 9 version.

• In order to support Cordova 8's handling of CocoaPods, you must install an extra Cordova plugin to correctly incorporate our CocoaPod ("Branch" v.0.31.3 as of 2020.02.10)

• Install the plugin cordova-plugin-cocoapods-support

• That plugin does not add any code to your app, it is strictly a Cordova hook to create your Podfile before building your app.

• Add the following lines to the widget/platform[name="ios"] path in config.xml:

<preference name="pods_ios_min_version" value="<YOUR MINIMUM VALUE>" />
<pod name="Branch" spec="~> 0.31.3" />

• Replace  with the minimum iOS version your app requires, e.g. "8" or "10.0" or "11.4"

• Run cordova prepare ios again and ensure you see console output similar to

Searching for new pods
Checking config.xml for pods.
config.xml requires pod: Branch
Installing pods
Sit back and relax this could take a while.

• Provided that the dependencies listed in the next section are up to date (see Compiling: Capacitor), you should also be able to do cordova build ios without issue.

Compiling: Capacitor

• Version 4.1.0 of this plugin works with Ionic 4 + Cordova and Ionic 4 + Capacitor, with the following caveats:

• We strongly recommend Node >= 10.15. Node 8 might work, but it is not tested.

• For BOTH Cordova and Capacitor, you must use Xcode >= 11.1, CocoaPods >= 1.8.4, Cordova >= 8.0.0, Ionic-CLI >= 5.1, cordova-ios >= 5.1.0

  • Every single one of these dependencies has fixes that allow the command line build, and the pod dependency resolution to work correctly

• You MUST use @capacitor/ios >= 1.4.0. Versions prior to that version did not federate the OpenURL notifications to other plugins, including Branch.

• use_frameworks has been removed from this plugin and will now be statically built. If the another podfile uses use_frameworks that is fine but this plugin no longer flags itself as dynamic. Ideally your app should be updated to remove use_frameworks! from your Podfile.

• When using Capacitor, you must add the following entries yourself to ios/App/App/Info.plist:

<key>CFBundleURLTypes</key>
<array>
  <dict>
    <key>CFBundleURLName</key>
    <string>com.getcapacitor.capacitor</string>
    <key>CFBundleURLSchemes</key>
    <array>
      <string>capacitor</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
  <dict>
    <key>CFBundleURLName</key>
    <string>branch-cordova-sdk</string>
    <key>CFBundleURLSchemes</key>
    <array>
      <string>[YOUR URL SCHEME HERE]</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</array>
<key>branch_key</key>
<string>[YOUR BRANCH LIVE KEY]</string>
<key>branch_app_domain</key>
<string>[YOUR DOMAIN].app.link</string>

• This is a limitation of Capacitor where explicit config changes are the developer's responsibility in order to avoid "magic config"

• When using Capacitor, you must add your Associated Domains entitlements via the Xcode entitlement editor yourself

  • This MUST be done using Xcode - again this is part of Capacitor's core philosophy whereby you are in control of every config file change

  • Open the "Signing & Entitlements" tab in Xcode, add the Associated Domains entitlement, and add the urls found on your Branch dashboard.

AppStore: iOS

• App rejected because it uses push notification features but does not declare the aps-environment key

• When branch-cordova-sdk moved to use CocoaPods, a change was introduced in Cordova 9 where the separate entitlement files were no longer flattened together. This issue has been fixed in version 4.1.0 of this plugin by directly adding the Branch config to your existing entitlements rather than creating new entitlement files. This change is backward-compatible with Cordova 8.

Apple Search Ads: iOS

• Follow the native iOS documentation for setting up Apple Search Ads