21 May 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When working with Android O (also known as Android 8.0), developers might encounter a change in the behavior of the ADB shell’s process status (ps) command. Unlike previous versions of Android, running adb shell ps in Android O may not display all running processes. This can be puzzling for those accustomed to the comprehensive output provided in earlier releases.
Understanding the Change
In Android O, Google has updated the ps binary, which has resulted in a modification of the default output of the ps command. This change aims to streamline the information displayed, but it also necessitates the use of additional flags to access the full list of processes.
Listing All Processes
To list all processes in Android O, you’ll need to use the -A flag with the ps command. The correct command is:
adb shell ps -AThis command will provide a complete list of all processes running on the device, similar to what developers expect from previous versions of Android.
Additional Options for Customization
Android O’s ps command now includes several new options, offering more control over the output. You can view these options by running:
adb shell ps --helpSome of the key options include:
-Aor-efor all processes-Tto show threads-oto customize the fields displayed (e.g., PID, TTY, TIME, CMD)-ffor a full listing-lfor a long listing-nto show numeric USER and GROUP-wfor wide output (prevents field truncation)
These options empower developers to tailor the ps output to their specific needs, enhancing their ability to monitor and debug processes on Android devices.
Automating Android Testing with Repeato
While understanding the intricacies of ADB commands is crucial for Android development and troubleshooting, having robust testing tools is equally important. Our product, Repeato, is a no-code test automation tool that simplifies the creation, execution, and maintenance of automated tests for iOS and Android apps.
Repeato leverages computer vision and AI to ensure tests are fast to edit and run. Moreover, with ADB on board, Repeato enables the execution of ADB commands via script steps. This feature allows for precise timing and sequencing of ADB commands within your automated test flows, ensuring a seamless integration with your existing development and testing processes.
To learn more about how Repeato can streamline your app testing, visit our documentation or start with our guide on getting started.
