Question regarding file.dirinternal

[jake]

I know this is a simple question but I just want to be sure...

If I create a file with user data in file.dirinternal, is it going to disappear when the if the apk gets updated?:sign0104:

 

[margret]

No. The file will still be there unless your code deletes it or you uninstall your app from the device.

 

[jake]

Thanks Maragret.

I'll have to look more closely at my code, because currently my data is disappearing.

 

[margret]

If you are copying the file from .DirAssets be sure you do not overwrite the file in .DirInternal. If you reinstall your app with the same name, it will not overwrite unless your code is doing it. If you still have problems, post the code that creates the file or copies it from the assets folder.

 

[jake]

Well I got to the bottom of how a users data disappeared upon update of my app. I've learned that the problem was due to storing user data to a file within file.dirDefaultExternal.

I've learned that this default directory under particular circumstances can get deleted when the apk is updated. This is particular apparently to some devices running Android 2.2. A post regarding this can be found here Data/files erase on installation

So I have at least one case where if I put out a new apk update to fix this bug, it will with certainty cause user data to get deleted. Unfortunate because it injures my credibility. I warn others because if your testing device isn't 2.2(froyo) you wouldn't have any idea that putting a persistent file within file.dirDefaultExternal can have consequences.

To fix this issue I will copy the files stored in the defaultExternal to a custom directory and no longer use the file.dirDefaultExternal directory.