How to Use adb shell Commands in Python with os.system

Learn how to execute `adb shell` commands in Python using `os.system` and `os.popen` to manage Android applications effectively.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/63326593/ asked by the user 'Ondřej Baše' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14075441/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/63326756/ provided by the user 'TankorSmash' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/541208/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Use adb shell Commands in Python with os.system

If you’re a developer working with Android devices, you’re likely familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge). It’s a versatile command-line tool that lets you communicate with your device and perform various tasks, such as installing apps, taking screenshots, and more. In this post, we’ll address a common challenge: how to execute adb shell commands within a Python script. Specifically, we’ll focus on how to remove an application from your device using Python’s os.system or os.popen functions.

The Problem at Hand

You might have created an ADB installer app in Python, but you’ve found yourself stuck trying to execute multi-line adb shell commands that work well in a bash script. Here’s an example of what you would typically do in a bash script:

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Now, you want to achieve the same result but within your Python application. Let’s explore how to effectively execute multi-line commands.

The Solution Using os.system

One of the straightforward ways to execute system commands in Python is by using the os.system() function. To run multi-line commands, Python allows you to use triple quotes to define a multi-line string. Here’s how you can execute the adb shell command with multiple lines:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Import the OS Module: First, make sure you have imported the os module in your Python script.

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Create Your Command: Use triple quotes to define your command, allowing you to maintain the structure and readability of your multi-line commands. Here’s how this looks:

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Replace Placeholders: Make sure to replace [path] and [app name] with the actual path to your app and the name of the app that you want to remove.

Example

Here’s an example implementation that removes an application named 'MyApp.apk' located in the '/data/app' directory:

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Alternative: Using os.popen

While os.system() gets the job done, you could also use os.popen() for more flexibility. This function allows you to read the output from the command, which can be beneficial if you want to capture the results or errors. Here’s how you could implement it:

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Conclusion

Executing adb shell commands directly from Python is a practical way to manage your Android app installations and other tasks programmatically. By leveraging multi-line strings with triple quotes, you can easily run complex command sequences. Whether you choose os.system for simplicity or os.popen for enhanced control, you now have a clear path to integrate ADB functionality into your Python applications.

Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below!