21 May 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
Understanding Android Device Monitor (DDMS) and Debugging
Android Device Monitor, formerly known as Dalvik Debug Monitor Server (DDMS), is a valuable tool for developers looking to optimize and debug their Android applications. It provides a suite of debugging and profiling tools that can be used within the Android Studio integrated development environment (IDE).
A common challenge faced by developers transitioning to Android Studio is the ability to use Android Device Monitor in conjunction with the step-by-step debugging features of the IDE. This article aims to guide you through using both the Monitor tool and the debugger simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using DDMS with Debugging
To begin debugging with Android Device Monitor in Android Studio, follow these steps:
- Start your application in debug mode. You can do this by clicking on the bug icon or selecting Run > Debug ‘app’ in the menu bar.
- Once the app has launched, navigate to Tools > Android > Android Device Monitor to open the DDMS perspective.
- In the Android Device Monitor, select your device and application package from the respective dropdown menus.
- Access the Memory tab within DDMS to start tracking memory allocation by clicking on the “Start Allocation Tracking” button.
- Interact with your application on the device while monitoring the memory usage and other performance metrics within DDMS.
- When finished, click the “Stop Allocation Tracking” button to cease memory tracking.
Please note that only one debugger can connect to your device at a time. However, with the release of Android Studio 3.0 and above, additional tools such as the Device File Explorer and improved Profiler have been integrated into the IDE, reducing the need to switch between the debugger and DDMS.
Enhancing Debugging with Repeato
While Android Device Monitor and Android Studio’s built-in debugging tools provide a robust environment for app development, integrating a tool like Repeato can streamline the testing process even further.
Repeato is a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android that enhances your debugging and testing workflow. It allows you to:
- Create, run, and maintain automated tests for your apps quickly and efficiently.
- Use computer vision and AI to simulate user interactions and validate UI elements.
- Execute ADB commands via script steps, ensuring precise timing and sequencing during test runs.
By incorporating Repeato into your development process, you can benefit from a faster edit and test cycle, making it easier to catch and fix issues early on. For more information on how Repeato can complement your use of Android Device Monitor and Android Studio, visit our documentation and explore our blog for more insights.
