VsTac task failed, could not find file appAsTgz.tgz when using global Cordova toolset

Latest way to compile for iOS using Cordova and Visual Studio 2017 (15.5)

In Mac OS:

  • Install Xcode 9.*

  • Install Node.JS 6.*. (https://nodejs.org/dist/latest-v6.x/) - Newer NPM version doesn't work for now.

  • Install Xcode components via terminal: xcode-select -–install

  • Install "remotebuild" Microsoft tool for remote compile from Visual Studio (Windows): sudo npm install -g remotebuild

  • Install COCOA Pods (needed by newer Cordova 7.1.0): sudo gem install cocoapods

  • Setup COCOA Pods for your first use just running command (about 680 MB to download): pod setup

​ - Set permissions:

sudo chown -R $USER:$GROUP ~/.npm

sudo chown -R $USER:$GROUP ~/.config

  • Start remotebuild to start listen: remotebuild

In Windows:

  • Install newer Visual Studio 2017 (15.5)...

  • Install Node.JS 6.*. (https://nodejs.org/dist/latest-v6.x/) - Newer NPM version doesn't work for now.

  • Install Global Cordova version (compatible with newer platforms and iOS versions): npm install -g cordova

  • Until now the VS 2017 has a bug (https://developercommunity.visualstudio.com/content/problem/94814/vs-153-cordova-cannot-use-global-cordova-anymore.html) when Cordova project loads the VS force set to use Cordova Toolset 6.3.1. To solve it (workaround):
    • Change the follow line in config.xml (open using xml editor):

From

<vs:toolsetVersion>6.3.1</vs:toolsetVersion>

To

<vs:toolsetVersion>GlobalCordovaVersion</vs:toolsetVersion>

  • Remove the follow lines from config.xml (open using xml editor):

<engine name="android" spec="5.2.1" /> //if the file has another line with a newer version

<engine name="ios" spec="4.2.0" /> //if the file has another line with a newer version

<engine name="windows" spec="4.4.2" /> //if the file has another line with a newer version

<preference name="windows-target-version" value="10.0" /> //if the file has another line with a newer version

  • Setup Visual Studio (Tools > Options > Tools For Apache Cordova)​ with the config generated by remotebuild (running in Mac OS). Screen example: Remote Agent Output

    • Tip: Try a ping before configure. If you have a problem, use IP instead computer name.
  • Build. You can locate your *.ipa file in bin\iOS\Debug folder.