Help regarding Runtime.getRuntime().exec() command usage in Android app

Question

I am trying to make use of Runtime.getRuntime.exec() command to copy a folder from one location to another on sdcard. But it seems like it doesn't work

Below is the code snippet where I am trying to copy the contents from / sdcard/etc/data to /sdcard/etc/temp/

try { Process process = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("cp -r /sdcard/etc/ data /sdcard/etc/temp"); }catch (IOException e) { e.printStackTrace(); }

I also tried creating a soft link as an alternative.. Event that did not work.

try { Process process = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("ln -s /sdcard/etc/ data /sdcard/etc/temp/data"); }catch (IOException e) { e.printStackTrace(); }

Could someone please help me on this. Am I using the Runtime in the proper way if not could you please suggest me an alternative.. Appreciate your help!

Thanks, Nik..

CommonsWare · Accepted Answer · 2010-10-19 23:10:33Z

2

You probably still need to have the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission, in case you do not have that.

Your bigger problem is that cp is not in any sort of PATH. In fact, I do not see the cp command anywhere on the Android 2.2 emulator, though I have not done an exhaustive search.

The way a savvy programmer would solve this is using Java, since that eliminates your dependency on undocumented/unsupported command-line binaries.

edited Oct 19, 2010 at 23:10

answered Oct 18, 2010 at 21:15

CommonsWare

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2 Comments

fadden Over a year ago

Why would you possibly want the "cp" command, when "cat" can do everything you need? :-)

Reed Over a year ago

In my opinion using cp is much easier to learn than the java aspect. That and I use it for root commands. It's not in stock Android (as far as I know). Your phone must have Busybox installed (and generally be rooted).

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