README.md

# docker-adb

This repository contains a [Dockerfile](https://www.docker.io/) for the [Android Debug Bridge](http://developer.android.com/tools/help/adb.html).

## Gotchas

* The container needs extended privileges for USB access
* The host's `/dev/bus/usb` must be mounted on the container

## Usage

### Pattern 1 - Shared network on the same machine (easy)

This usage pattern shares the ADB server container's network with ADB client containers.

Start the server:

```bash
docker run -d --privileged -v /dev/bus/usb:/dev/bus/usb --name adbd sorccu/adb
```

Then on the same machine:

```bash
docker run --rm -ti --net container:adbd sorccu/adb devices
docker run --rm -ti --net container:adbd ubuntu nc localhost 5037 <<< 000chost:devices
```

**Pros:**

* No port redirection required
* No need to look up IP addresses
* `adb forward` works without any tricks

**Cons:**

* Cannot use bridged (or any other) network on the client container
* Only works if the server and client containers run on the same machine

### Pattern 2 - Remote client

This usage pattern works best when you want to access the ADB server from a remote host.

Start the server:

```bash
docker run -d --privileged -v /dev/bus/usb:/dev/bus/usb --name adbd -p 5037:5037 sorccu/adb
```

Then on the client host:

```bash
docker run --rm -ti sorccu/adb -H x.x.x.x -P 5037 devices
```

Where `x.x.x.x` is the server host machine.

**Pros:**

* Scales better (can use any number of hosts/clients)
* No network limitations

**Cons:**

* Need to be aware of IP addresses
* Higher latency
* You'll need to make other ports (e.g. from `adb forward`) accessible yourself

## Thanks

* [Jérôme Petazzoni's post on the docker-user forum explaining USB device access](https://groups.google.com/d/msg/docker-user/UsekCwA1CSI/RtgmyJOsRtIJ)

## License

See [LICENSE](LICENSE).