App files not visible in file explorer

Question

I am creating a file and writing it like this:

                outputStream = context.openFileOutput(symbol, context.MODE_PRIVATE);
                outputStream.write(DATA.getBytes());
                outputStream.close();

I can read the file from the app but I can't see the files in explorer. I need to make it visible in explorer so that it can be shared(for debugging). Also, I need the file to be in readable format (like txt) for the computer. Also, files needs to be stored in internal directory. How can I do it?

`openFileOutput` I suggest you read the documentation for that method. — njzk2, May 08 '17 at 16:38
What is "explorer"? Do you mean a file manager for a desktop OS? — CommonsWare, May 08 '17 at 16:39
@njzk2 I know it says there private file but check here it says other app can read it.https://developer.android.com/training/basics/data-storage/files.html . If you any other way then tell me. — Lcukerd, May 08 '17 at 16:43
@Lcukerd no it doesn't. `Context::openFileOutput` uses *Internal storage*, which according to the documentation : "Internal storage: [...] Files saved here are accessible by only your app.". You probably want to use external storage. — njzk2, May 08 '17 at 16:50

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:34

2

To have your file be visible to other applications ("The file explorer of android"):

Step #1: Write to what the Android SDK refers to as external storage, such as getExternalFilesDir()

Step #2: Arrange to have the file indexed by the MediaStore, in case your file manager is using the MediaStore instead of the filesystem

edited May 23 '17 at 12:34

Community

1
1

answered May 08 '17 at 16:45

CommonsWare

986,068
189
2,389
2,491

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered May 08 '17 at 16:46

0

For that you need to create a folder in external storage public directory.

Write this in manifest

<manifest>
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
</manifest>

Then you have to define a public folder in the external storage as follows :

if (Environment.MEDIA_MOUNTED.equals(Environment.getExternalStorageState())) {
         File file = new File(Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(
            Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES), albumName);
    }

Here you can use DIRECTORY_PICTURES or any thing like DIRECTORY_DOCUMENTS or any thing as you wish. You can even place your own public directory instead of DIRECTORY_PICUTRES.The use of this DIRECTORY_PICTURES is that all your files saved in this folder will be read as pictures by the system.

So be careful while working with these

answered May 08 '17 at 16:46

Bharat

1,044
15
34

I get file not found error. open failed: ENOENT (No such file or directory) – Lcukerd May 08 '17 at 17:18
From where are you trying to open the file ? – Bharat May 08 '17 at 17:20
Well I am writing from WakefulBroadcastReceiver , and I am getting the error while writing using your code – Lcukerd May 08 '17 at 17:22
I don't have idea about WakefulBroadcastReciever you can refer this for detailed explanation on how storage works : https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/data-storage.html#filesExternal – Bharat May 08 '17 at 17:32
Well, it worked with Pictures directory but not documents. I dunno why / – Lcukerd May 08 '17 at 17:45

App files not visible in file explorer

2 Answers2