start-emulator

Start Emulator

Start an Android emulator (AVD) with quick boot or cold boot option.

Instructions

Script location: scripts/start-emulator.sh (relative to this skill's directory)

Before running, locate this skill's directory (where this SKILL.md is located), then execute:

bash <skill-directory>/scripts/start-emulator.sh [avd_name] [boot_type]

Arguments:

• avd_name (optional): The name of the AVD to start
• boot_type (optional): "quick" (default) or "cold"

JSON Output Schema

Success - Launch

{
  "success": true,
  "message": "Emulator started",
  "avd": "Pixel_6_API_33",
  "cold_boot": false
}

Success - Multiple emulators (ask user)

{
  "success": true,
  "action": "select_emulator",
  "emulators": ["Pixel_6_API_33", "Pixel_4_API_30"]
}

Failure

{
  "success": false,
  "error": "no available emulator",
  "hint": "Create an AVD using Android Studio or avdmanager"
}

Claude's Handling

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS ask the user about boot type before launching. Never skip this step.

Flow

1. Determine emulator:

   • If user specified an emulator name → use that name
   • Otherwise → run script with no arguments to get the list, then ask user to select if multiple emulators exist

2. Ask boot type (REQUIRED - never skip): Use AskUserQuestion to ask "Quick boot or cold boot?"

   • First option: "Quick boot (Recommended)"
   • Second option: "Cold boot"

3. Launch: Run script with avd_name and boot_type arguments

4. Report result: Inform user the emulator is starting or show error