# No-App-Store Distribution Guide

This app can be distributed without official app stores by using a Progressive Web App. Users do not download an HTML file directly; they install the app from a normal website URL.

## Recommended: PWA Link

Host the contents of this folder on an HTTPS static host, then share the URL.

Example public URL:

```text
https://your-domain.example/nudge-crm/
```

Users install it from that URL:

- iPhone and iPad: Safari -> Share -> Add to Home Screen.
- Android: Chrome -> Install app or Add to Home screen.
- Windows/macOS: Chrome or Edge -> install icon in address bar, or the in-app Install button.

This avoids:

- Apple Developer account
- App Store review
- Google Play review
- Native app signing
- Users downloading a loose HTML file

## Static Hosting Checklist

Upload every file in this folder:

- `index.html`
- `manifest.webmanifest`
- `sw.js`
- `icons/icon.svg`
- `icons/icon-192.png`
- `icons/icon-512.png`

Required hosting behavior:

- Must be served over HTTPS for install prompts and service worker support.
- `manifest.webmanifest` should be served as `application/manifest+json`.
- `sw.js` must be served from the same folder scope as `index.html`.
- Do not password-protect the app if you want normal install prompts to appear.

## Direct File Download Option

You can distribute a zipped copy of this folder for self-hosting or internal testing.

Users should unzip it and serve it with a local static server. Opening `index.html` directly from the filesystem is not the preferred install path because service workers and install prompts require HTTP/HTTPS.

## Android APK Option

Android allows sideloading APKs, but it adds complexity:

- You need to wrap the PWA with a Trusted Web Activity or WebView shell.
- You need to sign the APK.
- Users must allow installation from unknown sources.

Use this only if you specifically need an APK. For most users, the PWA install flow is cleaner.

## iPhone Native App Reality

Without the App Store or an Apple Developer account, you cannot broadly distribute a normal native iPhone app.

Practical alternatives:

- PWA installed from Safari.
- TestFlight, which requires Apple Developer Program membership.
- Apple Business Manager or enterprise distribution, which requires organizational setup.
- Local developer sideloading, which is not suitable for broad public distribution.

For this product, the PWA route is the best no-store option.

## Suggested User-Facing Install Copy

Use this when sharing the app:

```text
Open this link in your browser:
https://your-domain.example/nudge-crm/

iPhone/iPad: open in Safari, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.
Android: open in Chrome, then tap Install app.
Desktop: open in Chrome or Edge and click Install.
```
