Can't use a public static method?

Question

This is confusing. I'm look at the Android 2.2.2_r1 source code for the NotificationManager class, and I see the method getService() which is defined as public and static . However, eclipse is telling me:

The method getService() is undefined for the type NotificationManager on the line

 Object o = NotificationManager.getService();

My project is building against Android 2.2/ API Level 8. I tried to use reflection to see the method names and modifiers, and sure enough, I got back

public static getService

Am I missing something here? Why would eclipse tell me this method doesn't exist?

Answer 1

You will find a very detailed answer in this post .

In short: Because you compile against the android.jar , which has all hidden methods (like the one you are trying to access) removed. They will only be there on runtime, for internal android usage.

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But since you perhaps also need it. The right way to access the NotificationManager is via the getSystemService method of a context:

NotificationManager nm = (NotificationManager)ctx.getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE);

With context being a valid context (like your current activity).