I built ADB Dock, a desktop application for macOS that provides a graphical interface for managing Android devices and automating ADB operations. No more typing commands in terminal—everything you need in one clean interface.
What is ADB Dock?
ADB Dock is a free and open-source desktop application for macOS that eliminates the need to memorize and type ADB commands. It uses an ADB connection over USB (no root required) and is built with Kotlin Compose Multiplatform.
Why I Built This
As an Android developer, I found myself constantly switching between terminal windows, typing the same ADB commands over and over. I wanted a tool that would:
- Reduce friction - Select your project, connect your device, start building. No configuration files, no complex setup.
- Speed up workflow - Build, install, and launch your app with a single click. View logs in real-time. Test different git tags instantly.
- Stay lightweight - No need to open Android Studio for simple operations.
Key Features
Install and Run
Build APK, install on device, and launch app in one click. Automatic scrcpy launch for screen mirroring. Real-time build status and error messages.
Device Management
Auto-detect connected USB devices. View device model and manufacturer info. Quick device selection and refresh.
ADB Operations
Commands from ADBOperationsService:
startApp,killApp,restartAppclearAppData,clearDataAndRestartgrantAllPermissions,revokeAllPermissionsuninstallAppenableWiFi,disableWiFi,enableMobileData,disableMobileData- Star your most-used tools for quick access
Git Version Control
Browse git tags in your project. Checkout and build from any tag with a single click. Auto-return to your original branch after testing. Perfect for QA testing different releases.
Logcat Viewer
Real-time log streaming filtered by package name. Color-coded log levels (Verbose, Debug, Info, Warn, Error, Fatal) make debugging effortless. Clear and stop controls give you full control.
Gradle Integration
View Gradle version, API levels, and SDK support at a glance. All the project information you need without opening build files.
Activity Tracker
Monitor device activity in real-time. See which activities are running and track app lifecycle events.
File Explorer
Browse the device file system directly. Navigate directories and view file contents without adb shell commands.
Editor
View and edit Gradle build files from within the app. Quick access to project configuration.
Tech Stack
- Kotlin Compose Multiplatform - For a modern, reactive UI
- Material Design 3 - Dark/light theme support
- MVVM Architecture - Clean separation with Koin dependency injection
- Centralized Services - All operations use consistent implementations
Requirements
- macOS 10.15+ (Catalina or later)
- JDK 17+ (bundled with installer)
- Android SDK with ADB in PATH
- Git (for version control features)
- scrcpy (optional, for screen mirroring)
Download
The app is currently in development. You can build from source:
cd ADBDock
./gradlew runTo create a distributable DMG:
./gradlew packageDmgThe DMG will be available at composeApp/build/compose/binaries/main/dmg/
What’s Next
I’m actively developing ADB Dock with more features coming soon. The core functionality is solid and I use it daily for my own Android development work.
If you’re an Android developer tired of typing ADB commands, give ADB Dock a try. It’s designed to make your workflow faster and more enjoyable.
Source Code: GitHub Repository