The
one thing that makes Android distinct as an operating system for mobile
smartphones and tablets is its being an Open Source platform that
encourages developers to engage in various types of development
activities. And the one feature without which the custom development
would not have been so easier is the availability of the “Developer
Options” that is found under Settings of all Android devices by default.
These
developer options contain advanced features that help any person with a
developer’s bent of mind build, test, debug, and package Android apps
and mods. In simple terms, developer options allow quick access to and
Android device from a computer via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands.
Features of Developer Options
The “Developer Options” feature is indispensable to Android Developers hackers and enthusiasts as a means to quickly access and control their
device from the PC. Even if you are an average user and wish to root,
install a ROM or mod on your Android device, you must turn on USB
Debugging mode on your phone or tablet. And you’ll not be able to do it
unless you enable Developer Options on your device first.
Among the most useful features that are found under Developer Options are as follows:
- Enable debugging over USB.
- Quickly capture bug reports onto the device.
- Show CPU usage on screen.
- Draw debugging information on screen such as layout bounds, updates on GPU views and hardware layers, and other information.
- Many other options to simulate app stresses or enable debugging options.
The “Developer Options” has always been visible by default in all previous versions of Android. On
Developer Options on Gingerbread (Android 2.3):
Settings> Applications> Development> USB Debugging
Developer Options on ICS (Android 4.0):
Settings> Developer Options> USB Debugging
Developer Options on JB (Android 4.1):
Settings> Developer Options> USB Debugging
If
you have recently upgraded your device to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean or
have bought a new device with 4.2 or higher pre-installed, do not be
surprised if you find the ”Developer Options” missing. I came across
this thing on my Galaxy S3 with leaked 4.2.1 firmware and then on Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on Android 4.2.2.
Enable Developer Options on Android Android 4.2/ 4.3/ 4.4
In
fact, the developer options lie at the core of Android development and
so they cannot be removed as long as Android is an open source
environment. The only change Android 4.2 brings in connection to these
useful options is that now they are hidden by default and you will have
to make it available by doing some finger exercise.
- Open Settings> About on your Android phone or tablet.
- If you have a Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note 8.0, Tab 3 or any other Galaxy device with Android 4.2 or Android 4.3, open Settings> More/General tab> About and tap it.
- If you have Galaxy Note 2 or Note 3 or any Galaxy device with Android 4.3, go to Settings> General> About and tap the Build version 7 times.
- Now scroll to Build number and tap it 7 times.
- After tapping the Build Number 7 times, you will see a message “You are now a developer!” If you have a Galaxy S4 or any other Samsung Galaxy device with Android 4.2, the message reads as follows- “Developer mode has been enabled”.
- Return to the main Settings menu and now you’ll be able to see Developer Options.
9. To disable USB Debugging mode later, you can uncheck the box before the option
10. To enable Developer Options, go to Settings> Developer options and tap on the ON/OFF slider on the top of the page.
Related Posts:
No comments:
Post a Comment