getApplicationContext() returns null in a Service

Question

I have a Service in it's own process, I've declared it in manifest like that:

   <service
        android:name="com.discountscatcher.util.PointService"
        android:configChanges="orientation"
        android:process=":pointservice" >
    </service>

But onStartCommand I was trying to get an ApplicationContext, but it always returns null, what I can forget?

    public int onStartCommand(Intent intent, int flags, int startId) {
    android.os.Debug.waitForDebugger();
    Context mContext = getApplicationContext();
    return Service.START_STICKY;
}

and I starting it like that:

    startService(new Intent(getApplicationContext(), PointService.class));

in Myactivity OnCreate

any ideas?

I think what you need is Interprocess communication http://developer.android.com/guide/components/processes-and-threads.html#IPC — George Daramouskas, Dec 19 '13 at 08:04
A service is a Context, why do you need the application context? — FunkTheMonk, Dec 19 '13 at 09:49
@FunkTheMonk how i can get an application resources like strings, drawables etc? — whizzzkey, Dec 20 '13 at 02:39
@whizzzkey the same as you would in an Activity / Application - Service extends from Context - you can just call getString(), getResources().getDrawable() etc — FunkTheMonk, Dec 20 '13 at 09:49
@FunkTheMonk no man, it seems to be some differs between application context and service context when service has started as separate process and when i call getString() or any other resource it always returns me null. — whizzzkey, Dec 20 '13 at 10:03

score 8 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:34

8

You are running your Service in a different process so it has no communication with the Actual Application process..

Try to remove this line from your service

android:process=":pointservice"

After your application is finished Application context is becomes null. At most situations there is no need to run the service in a different process. Also it is not recommended.

For more information check here

edited May 23 '17 at 12:34

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answered Dec 19 '13 at 08:00

kalyan pvs

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Please tell me for what reasons i should start a service in another process? – whizzzkey Dec 19 '13 at 08:06

getApplicationContext() returns null in a Service

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