Managing Android Virtual Devices (AVDs): A Comprehensive Guide

Managing Android Virtual Devices (AVDs): A Comprehensive Guide

22 April 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Introduction

Android Virtual Devices (AVDs) are emulated Android devices that run on your computer, providing a convenient platform for developers to test their applications without the need for physical devices. In this guide, we will explore how to list and manage available AVDs on your system.

Listing Available AVDs

To list all available AVDs on your system, you can use the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

emulator -list-avds

This command will output a list of all AVD names that you have created and are available to launch. For instance, you might see an output similar to:

Nexus_5X_API_P
Nexus_6_API_25

If you’re using a Unix-based system such as Linux or macOS, you might need to navigate to the Android/sdk/emulator directory before running the command, or you can add it to your PATH environment variable for easy access from any location.

Starting an AVD

Once you have the list of available AVDs, you can start an emulator instance by using the following command:

emulator @name-of-your-emulator

Replace name-of-your-emulator with the actual AVD name you wish to start. For example:

emulator @Nexus_5X_API_P

Ensure that the emulator command is included in your PATH or navigate to the ${ANDROID_SDK}/tools directory where the emulator binary is located.

Where Are AVD Configurations Stored?

AVD configurations are stored in the .android/avd directory within your user’s home directory. Each AVD has its own folder and configuration file. You can navigate to this directory to view or manually edit the AVD configurations if needed.

Repeato: Streamlining Your Testing Process

While managing AVDs is essential for Android development and testing, it can become cumbersome when dealing with multiple devices and configurations. This is where Repeato, our no-code test automation tool, can significantly simplify your workflow.

Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your Android apps quickly and efficiently. With its computer vision and AI capabilities, Repeato works seamlessly with all sorts of app frameworks, including React Native, Flutter, and Unity. Moreover, it integrates ADB commands through script steps, enabling you to perform complex testing scenarios with ease.

If you’re interested in enhancing your testing process and saving time, consider incorporating Repeato into your toolset. It’s designed to be fast, flexible, and user-friendly, making it an excellent addition to any mobile developer’s arsenal.

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