AAB Post-Processing Guide

This article explains how to use the DashO New Project Wizard to protect an Android App Bundle (AAB). During this process, DashO analyzes the application, loads the classes and supporting libraries contained in the bundle, applies the configured protection settings, and generates a protected, signed AAB for distribution.

Before starting, ensure that the required Android SDK version is installed and that you have access to the keystore and signing credentials needed to sign the generated App Bundle. A valid signature is required before the protected AAB can be uploaded to application distribution platforms.

Step 1: Create a New Project

1. Open DashO.
2. Navigate to New Project Wizard.
3. Select Android Artifacts (APK/AAB).
4. Click Next.

Step 2: Select AAB File

1. Browse and select the .aab file.
2. Click Next.

Step 3: SDK Detection

1. DashO automatically detects:
   • Android SDK location
   • Appropriate SDK version
2. Click Next.

DashO extracts classes and configuration information using the Android manifest.

Step 4: Review Classes

1. All detected classes will be displayed.
2. Review the loaded classes.
3. Click Next.

Step 5: Review Annotations

1. DashO displays detected annotations if available.
2. If no annotations exist, proceed directly.
3. Click Next.

Step 6: Review Summary

1. A project summary screen is generated.
2. Review the information.
3. Click Finish.

The Input section and supporting classes are now loaded.

Step 7: Configure Signing

Use the following for signing:

• JAR Signing Tool
• .jks keystore file
• Keystore password
• Alias information
• Required signing parameters

Note: Signing is mandatory because Android App Bundles require a valid signature before distribution. Without signing, the generated AAB cannot be uploaded or deployed through application stores such as the Google Play Store.

Step 8: Build the Project

1. Click Build.

2. DashO generates:
   • Protected AAB output
   • project.dox configuration file

Both files are generated in the selected output directory.

To explore additional protection options, see Understanding Protection.

DashO Gradle Plugin Configuration for AAB

Configure the DashO Gradle plugin using the official setup guide: DashO Gradle Plugin for Android Configuration.

Build Commands

If your project contains the Gradle wrapper:

./gradlew bundleRelease

If the Gradle wrapper is unavailable:

gradlew bundleRelease

This command generates the release AAB file after applying DashO processing and protection configurations.