safe mode in booting

[Dan Raaka]

what is restricted when android boots into SafeMode?

Looking into the source code ..
primarily the querying for content providers, sync providers and
persistent apps are not done.

Is there anything beyond this ?

-Dan

[Dianne Hackborn]

It impacts all queries on the package manager, so no third party applications will show up.  They basically won't run.  This would only affect persistent apps that are third party apps, which currently we don't allow, so it doesn't really do anything there.

--
Dianne Hackborn
Android framework engineer
hac...@android.com

Note: please don't send private questions to me, as I don't have time to provide private support.  All such questions should be posted on public forums, where I and others can see and answer them.

[dan raaka]

This wont effect the shortcuts already on the homescreen though !!
Is that oversight ? I cud run them in safe mode.

The bigger question is .. what is safe mode currently used for in G1?

Testing ?? T-Mobiel customer support ??

-Dan

[Dianne Hackborn]

Safe mode is intended to prevent third party code from running automatically.  If you want to press on a shortcut and run something, that is outside its scope.  This allows you to long press on menu while booting to bypass any broken applications.

[dan raaka]

Just to clarify my understanding, Does this mean broadcast messages like BOOT_COMPLETED even if subscribed to wont reach services/activities installed later ..

-Dan

[Dianne Hackborn]

I'm not sure I understand what you are asking.  When in safe mode, a query on the package manager will not return any third party apps, either when booting or any time later.  You can only get to them by explicitly providing a particular ComponentName.

[dan raaka]

what I have noticed so far is ..
- 3rd party application wont appear in the launcher
- they are listed under the Setting -> Applications -> Manage Applications, so that the user can un-install the trouble causing one.

If the intention of safe mode is to prevent application to be run automatically .. Does this mean if the 3rd party application were to implement a Broadcast Receiver for BOOT_COMPLETED, they will no longer get that broadcast message when android boots into safe mode ?

-Dan

[Dianne Hackborn]

Yes.  Again, it affects all queries on the package manager for components matching given requirements.  The ONLY way to launch third party applications is by explicitly specifying the component, which is not at all the case of a BOOT_COMPLETED intent which just has an action.