Why is Jenkins Android Emulator Plugin recreating my Emulator Snapshots in every build?
The Jenkins Android Emulator Plugin is a valuable tool for automating Android testing within Jenkins. However, users often encounter a frustrating issue: the plugin recreates emulator snapshots on every build, leading to wasted time and resources.
Understanding the Issue
The plugin aims to maintain a consistent and clean environment for each build. By default, it utilizes a “fresh” emulator snapshot for every build, effectively creating a “clean slate” for testing.
Causes of Emulator Snapshot Recreation
- Plugin Configuration: The plugin’s default settings often lead to snapshot recreation. Ensure you have the right configuration.
- Snapshot Management: The plugin’s snapshot management settings can cause frequent recreation. Review the settings and make necessary changes.
- Build Configuration: Errors in the build configuration can lead to snapshot recreation. Examine your build process for any issues.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
1. Plugin Configuration
Check the plugin’s configuration for the following settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
Emulator Snapshot Directory |
Ensure the directory exists and is writable by Jenkins. |
Emulator Snapshot Name |
Choose a consistent name to avoid confusion and allow snapshot reuse. |
Emulator Snapshot Create |
Enable if you want to create a fresh snapshot for each build. Disable if you want to reuse existing snapshots. |
2. Snapshot Management
Review the plugin’s snapshot management settings:
Snapshot Retention Policy: The plugin can be configured to retain a certain number of snapshots, allowing you to reuse existing snapshots. Set a retention policy that suits your workflow.Snapshot Deletion: The plugin can be configured to delete snapshots based on their age. If you are facing excessive recreation, adjust the deletion settings.
3. Build Configuration
Examine your build configuration for any inconsistencies:
Build Environment Variables: Ensure that the variables related to the emulator snapshot path are consistent across builds.Android SDK and AVD Setup: Make sure that your Android SDK and AVD setup is stable and doesn’t change between builds.
Example: Modifying Plugin Configuration
You can modify the plugin’s configuration to reuse existing emulator snapshots.
com.googlecode.jenkinsci.plugins android-emulator-plugin 1.0 ${WORKSPACE}/emulator-snapshots my-emulator-snapshot false Keep N Latest 5