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Sometimes I get asked for a LogCat.

What is this?
What is it supposed to do?
How can I get it?

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  • Hmm. Possible. I searched for it, but don't found something similar. ;)
    – Leandros
    Commented Nov 11, 2012 at 13:38

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What is a LogCat?
A "LogCat" is for debugging applications / Android system. When applications / Android crash the output the "explanation" for the crash, the Exception Stacktrace, to a Log. This log can be saved and help developers to fix the crash.

What is it supposed to do?
It will help to solve your questions, if your asked for a LogCat it is always useful.

How can I get a LogCat?
This isn't hard.

Prerequisites:
Linux, Windows or Mac
USB cable for your device
Android Device

Instructions:

  1. Install your device driver for using adb. Everything you need will you find here
  2. Download adb executable for your OS (Download: Windows | Linux | Mac). Paste it somewhere.
  3. Connect your android device.
  4. Verify if "Settings > Developer options > USB debugging" is checked, if not, simply check it.
  5. Open a command promt (windows) or terminal (linux / mac). How to do it: On Windows: windows + r > enter "cmd" (without quotes) > click enter | On Linux: You don't know how to open a terminal? LOL | On Mac: Type Terminal into Spotlight and open it
  6. CD to the directory where the adb executable is located. On Windows: Go to the directory where you downloaded the adb executable, Shift+Right Click and select "Open Console" (or similar) | On Linux / Mac: Rightclick in the directory and select "Open Terminal here" (or simply CD into the directory)
  7. Type in your cmd/terminal: adb devices to verify your device is properly connected.
  8. If your device is properly selected, type in adb logcat to show the mighty and magic logcat aka stacktrace.
  9. Reproduce your error (or whatever) on your device.
  10. Right after, paste the whole cmd / terminal window into a paste-service like http://pastebin.com/ and send it to us.
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  • Or you could just use an app like aLogCat and easily share the resultant log file via email, messenger, upload to dropbox etc.
    – Sparx
    Commented Nov 11, 2012 at 4:59
  • Nope, not possible with JellyBean. The API changed, you only can read the LogCat from your own app.
    – Leandros
    Commented Nov 11, 2012 at 13:37
  • aLogCat is being updated. An alternative called CatLog also works but it needs root access for JB devices.
    – Sparx
    Commented Nov 11, 2012 at 16:15

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