Creating a release build for direct download by friends

Very new to Android Studio, using the latest version, and have been using Visual Studio mostly in the past. I have been playing with the "JetChat" application for a friend to use based on blue tooth connections.

I have been able to compile and build the debug version with no problems. And will make some simple changes for him to use. The app will be a "standard" open source release, and I am not looking to get it on the Play Store.

I have read many posts about generating a release version, most confusing to say the least. Much of it has to with signing with a release key for upload to the Google Play store. At this time, I have no interest in going that route as this is my first project and I will be offering it to my friends via a direct download.

My question: how can I create a simple build release that my friends can use to help me test this sample chat application? I just can't seem to figure this out... :(

Thanks in advance...

Gary

Tried reading posts about a release build... can't seem to find anything to create something for a direct download, not involving the play store

Answer

You can actually just give them the debug version, unless you're concerned about them reverse engineering it and beign malicious. There's no reason a debug version won't work anywhere.

But if you do want to build a release version, don't worry about google play. You won't be using it here. Just build an apk (not an aab) with a keystore you create for signing and send them that apk. They can download it to the device and install it (they may need to allow unknown sources in settings first).