Apps [HOW TO] Basic ADB Commands

[t0ast3d]

If you find this helpful or think it would be helpful to others, tip it for a sticky!


Here's a little guide I put together for you to learn basic adb commands.


I'm posting this thread assuming you already have your SDK set up

^ I believe there is a sticky right below/above this thread on how to do so ^


With that said, let's dive right in!



1. Turn on ADB

Go to Menu > Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging


2. Running ADB

Open up command prompt and type your way to the directory you have your SDK in.

Mine is in C:\

So for example, mine would be: cd c:\AndroidSDK/tools

You are now in


3. Basic ADB commands

ADB push (sends files to your phone) -- adb push c:\example.apk /sdcard/example.apk

ADB pull (Receives files from your phone) -- adb pull /system/app/example.apk c:\example.apk

ADB install (installs application) -- adb install c:\example.apk

adb shell (Begins shell connection with phone)

adb reboot (reboots phone)

adb reboot recovery (reboots phone into recovery)

adb reboot bootloader (reboots the phone into bootloader/the white screen)

adb remount (remounts the system)


4. Commands to run while in ADB Shell

cd (changes directories) -- cd /system/app

ls (lists all files in the directory) -- cd /system/app

rm (removes files) -- rm /system/app/example.apk

cp (copies files) similar to cat -- cp /system/app/example.apk /sdcard/example.apk

cat (copies files) -- cat /system/app/example.apk > /sdcard/example.apk

exit (exits shell) -- exit


Might add a little more later if requested.

Hope you learned something!

 

[osirusrising]

Good Post, however how would one be able to possibly create an APK which just copies a folder or folders with files in them to the SD card under a specific location. I'm working on a Theme deployment with DreamLyfe and trying to tie in the files and folders in an APK. I have experience wit hthe ADB and it's nice, but need to fig out how to assemble in SDK.

 

[jiminaus]

ADB is also documented here http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/adb.html.

 

[johnny424]

nice post..i am still learning and searching for useful things..even though im a few months late : ) ..thanks again for insightful info

 

[chadb740]

Please post many more commands.
After Eclipse is installed, where do I find a list of commands that are used to program?
I've go Eclipse, SDK/AVD manager installed.
What are the commands used to write a program?
My searches all turn up empty.
Is there a place that has all of the java commands?

 

[jiminaus]

Is there a place that has all of the java commands?

http://developer.android.com/reference/

 

[reggjoo]

I using QtADB, A gui representation of ADB, what can I do with that? Most of the first post, is there, in a gui.

 

[droidbot45]

Thanks for the turorial

 

[palmtree5]

2. Running ADB

Open up command prompt and type your way to the directory you have your SDK in.

Mine is in C:\

So for example, mine would be: cd c:\AndroidSDK/tools

Another idea is to add the sdk path to your PATH variable per the instructions here: Installing the SDK | Android Developers

 

[gsx1000r02]

My phone is not rooted and one of my apps I have to log in to to use and I canny remember my pwd. I don't want to reinstall and lose all my settings. Is there any way I can use adb to get my password back?