Why is my process always showing in the DDMS processes list?

Question

Using DDMS, I see 3 processes active in my Android: Viber, logitech harmony and a process with my package name. The thing is that I never created any process.

Why have Android opened a process on my behalf? For what purpose?

Also, why can't I see all the other apps' processes, like gmail, maps, etc. even when they are found in the foreground?

Some thoughts: I do listen to folder changes using a FileObserver. Perhaps that's the thing? Perhaps it's something related to running the app in a development environment?

Answer 1

Why have Android opened a process on my behalf? For what purpose?

Because you ran your application.

Also, why can't I see all the other apps' processes, like gmail, maps, etc. even when they are found in the foreground?

Because they are not compiled in debug mode. On a production device, only debug builds (or apps with android:debuggable set to true in the manifest) will appear in DDMS.