Efficiently Pushing Multiple Files with ADB

Efficiently Pushing Multiple Files with ADB

21 May 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When working with Android devices, you may find yourself needing to push multiple files of the same type to a device. The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) command-line tool is incredibly powerful, but it doesn’t support wildcards directly for file operations. This can pose a challenge if you want to push multiple files with a single command. In this guide, we will explore effective methods to achieve this.

Copying Files to an Empty Directory

One practical approach is to first copy all the files you want to push into an empty directory. Then, push the entire directory to the device. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Create an empty directory on your local machine.
  2. Copy all the files with the desired extension (e.g., .img) into this directory.
  3. Use the following ADB command to push the directory:
adb push /path/to/local/directory /storage/sdcard0

This method ensures that all files in the directory are transferred to the specified location on your Android device.

Using a For Loop in Command Line

If you prefer a more dynamic approach, you can use a for loop to iterate over each file and push it individually. This method is versatile and works across different operating systems.

For Linux/macOS

for f in *.img; do adb push $f /storage/sdcard0; done

For Windows

In the Command Prompt:

for %i in (*.img) do adb push %i /storage/sdcard0/%i

If you are using a batch file, remember to double the percent signs:

for %%i in (*.img) do adb push %%i /storage/sdcard0/%%i

Additional Considerations

It’s important to note that the path /sdcard has become obsolete in recent Android versions. You should use paths like /storage/sdcard0 or /mnt/sdcard depending on your device’s configuration.

Streamlining Your Workflow with Repeato

Managing multiple file operations and ensuring accurate timing can be challenging. This is where Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, can significantly enhance your workflow. Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your apps efficiently. With built-in ADB support, you can execute ADB commands via script steps, ensuring proper sequencing and timing of your commands.

To learn more about leveraging Repeato for your test automation needs, visit our Android Testing Tool page or explore our documentation section for detailed guides.

By following these methods and utilizing tools like Repeato, you can streamline your ADB file operations and enhance your overall development workflow.

Like this article? there’s more where that came from!