How to simulate app restart in instrument test?

Question

I want to write a test for persistent storage. The implementation details can change, for example, the code can switch from SharedPreferences to file-based storage or sqlite, but an in memory only data structure should NOT work (because it might be forgotten between activity restarts).

I want to add a automation test for this behavior, how should I stimulate app restart?

Answer 1

Lifecycle Testing with Robotium: Killing and Restarting Activity might work for you.

You can restart a stopped activity using

launchActivity("com.testRestart", testactivity.class, null);

and stop the activity (using Robotium) with

solo.goBack();