How do I use Android Debug Database with an Android emulator?

For the default emulator, run 'adb forward tcp:8080 tcp:8080' and open http://localhost:8080. For Genymotion, enable network bridging in the virtual device settings as per the README.

Android Debug Database vs Stetho: which should I use?

Android Debug Database is specialized for SQLite databases and SharedPreferences with a simple web interface, while Stetho offers broader debugging like network inspection and Chrome DevTools integration. Choose based on if you need focused data debugging or more comprehensive tools.

Can I edit SharedPreferences in real-time without app restart?

Yes, the web interface allows direct editing of SharedPreferences key-value pairs, and changes reflect immediately in the app without needing a restart, as demonstrated in the README's editing screenshot.

Does it work with encrypted SQLite databases?

Yes, but it requires adding a separate 'debug-db-encrypt' dependency and setting the database password via Gradle resValue, as detailed in the README under encrypted database support.

How to get the debug address if I miss the logcat log?

Use the provided reflection method 'showDebugDBAddressLogToast' to display a toast with the address, or call 'DebugDB.getAddressLog()' from code, though this requires careful handling to avoid release build errors.

Is it safe to include Android Debug Database in production apps?

No, it's intended only for debug builds using debugImplementation. Including it in production could expose sensitive data via the web interface and increase app size unnecessarily.

Open-Awesome

Android Debug Database

Apache-2.0Java1.0.7

A library for debugging Android databases and shared preferences directly in a browser.

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8.7k stars885 forks0 contributors

What is Android Debug Database?

Android Debug Database is a library that provides a web-based interface for debugging SQLite databases and SharedPreferences in Android applications. It allows developers to view, edit, query, and manage local data directly from a browser, simplifying the debugging process without requiring a rooted device.

Target Audience

Android developers who need to inspect and manipulate local data storage (databases and shared preferences) during development and debugging.

Value Proposition

It offers a visual, browser-based tool that eliminates the need for complex ADB commands or rooted devices, making data inspection and manipulation more accessible and efficient compared to traditional debugging methods.

Overview

A library for debugging android databases and shared preferences - Make Debugging Great Again

Use Cases

Best For

Inspecting SQLite database contents during Android app development
Editing SharedPreferences values without recompiling the app
Running custom SQL queries to test database interactions
Debugging Room database implementations, including inMemory databases
Quickly viewing and modifying local data on non-rooted devices
Downloading database files for offline analysis or backup

Not Ideal For

Production environments where debug libraries cannot be included due to security or size constraints
Automated testing or CI/CD pipelines that require headless database inspection
Cross-platform projects needing debugging tools for iOS or web alongside Android

Pros & Cons

Pros

Web-Based Visual Interface

Provides a browser-based environment to view, edit, and query SQLite databases and SharedPreferences directly, eliminating the need for complex ADB commands or rooted devices as emphasized in the README.

No Rooting Required

Works on non-rooted Android devices, making it accessible for standard development setups without additional privileges.

Comprehensive Data Management

Supports direct editing, SQL query execution, and data addition/deletion for both databases and SharedPreferences, including Room inMemory databases as listed in the features.

Easy Debug Build Integration

Simple Gradle dependency with debugImplementation ensures it only compiles in debug builds, avoiding unnecessary bloat in release versions.

Cons

Network Dependency and Security Risks

Requires the device and browser to be on the same network or USB forwarding, exposing data via a web interface that could be insecure in shared environments.

Cumbersome Custom Configuration

Adding custom database files or inMemory Room databases involves error-prone reflection code, as shown in the README, which complicates setup for advanced use cases.

Limited to Development Phase

Designed only for debug builds, so it cannot be used for production monitoring or debugging, restricting its utility to early development stages.

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