The “adb install” command is a part of the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which is used for communication between a computer and an Android device or emulator. Specifically, the “adb install” command allows you to push packages (typically Android application files with the .apk extension) to an Android emulator instance or a connected Android device.
Here are some key points to understand about the “adb install” command:
- Android Debug Bridge (ADB): ADB is a versatile command-line tool that enables communication and interaction between a computer and an Android device or emulator. It provides a bridge for executing various commands and performing operations on the connected device.
- Installing Packages: The “adb install” command is used to install Android application packages (.apk files) onto an Android device or emulator. These packages contain the compiled code and resources necessary to run an Android application.
- Pushing Packages: The “adb install” command pushes the specified package file from your computer to the Android device or emulator. The package is transferred over the ADB connection and then installed on the target device.
- Android Emulator: The Android emulator allows developers to simulate an Android device on their computer. With the “adb install” command, you can install applications directly onto the running emulator, allowing for easy testing and debugging of Android apps.
- Connected Android Devices: In addition to emulators, the “adb install” command can also be used to install applications on physical Android devices that are connected to your computer via USB. This enables you to deploy and test applications on real devices during development.
- Installation Process: When you execute the “adb install” command, the Android device or emulator checks the package’s validity, installs it in the device’s internal storage, and makes the application available for execution.
- Installation Errors and Feedback: If any issues occur during installation, the “adb install” command provides feedback on the error message, allowing you to troubleshoot and resolve any problems that might have prevented successful installation.
It’s important to note that the “adb install” command requires ADB to be properly installed on your computer, and USB debugging needs to be enabled on the Android device or emulator for successful communication.
In summary, the “adb install” command is a useful tool for developers and testers working with Android devices and emulators. It facilitates the installation of Android application packages onto the target devices, allowing for seamless testing, debugging, and deployment of applications during the development process.
adb install Command Examples
1. Push an Android application to an emulator/device:
# adb install /path/to/file.apk
2. Push an Android application to a specific emulator/device (overrides $ANDROID_SERIAL):
# adb -s serial_number install /path/to/file.apk
3. Reinstall an existing app, keeping its data:
# adb install -r /path/to/file.apk
4. Push an Android application allowing version code downgrade (debuggable packages only):
# adb install -d path/to/file.apk
5. Grant all permissions listed in the app manifest:
# adb install -g /path/to/file.apk
6. Quickly update an installed package by only updating the parts of the APK that changed:
# adb install --fastdeploy /path/to/file.apk