Does startService() create a new Service instance or using the existing one?

Question

Does startService() create a new Service instance or using the existing one? For example, in the following code, does it create two UpdateService instances or just one UpdateService instance? Thanks.

    int[] appWidgetIds = new int[] {1, 2};  
    for (int appWidgetId : appWidgetIds) {
        Intent intent = new Intent(context, UpdateService.class);
        intent.putExtra(AppWidgetManager.EXTRA_APPWIDGET_ID, appWidgetId);
        context.startService(intent);
    }

score 58 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 25 '10 at 19:24

58

If the service is already started, it does not start as second copy, but onStart() is still called on the existing instance. Services are natural singletons -- there is exactly 0 or 1 copy of the service in operation.

answered Mar 25 '10 at 19:24

CommonsWare

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Thanks @CommonsWare I upvoted your question, every time I see your answer, its most easier to understand and I found helpful and upvote your answer :) – blackHawk Aug 25 '17 at 09:02

score 15 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 16 '11 at 03:13

15

The onStart method is deprecated for now, use onStartCommand instead.

answered Feb 16 '11 at 03:13

Roger Alien

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Does startService() create a new Service instance or using the existing one?

2 Answers2

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