Java / Android - How to print out a full stack trace?

java

logging

stack-trace

exception-handling

byAlex Kataev·Feb 26, 2025

To capture and print a stack trace in Java, use e.printStackTrace() within a catch block:

try {
    // Walking on thin ice here
} catch(Exception e) {
    e.printStackTrace(); // Whoops, broke the ice. Time for rescue!
}

Use StringWriter and PrintWriter for a string representation of the stack trace:

try {
    // Another risky move
} catch(Exception e) {
    StringWriter sw = new StringWriter();
    e.printStackTrace(new PrintWriter(sw));
    String stackTrace = sw.toString(); // stack trace at your fingertips
}

In Android, Log.e is your best friend for logging exceptions with tags:

try {
    // Some heroics
} catch(Exception e) {
    Log.e("YourTag", "Error message", e); // Drops a note in Logcat for backup!
}

Turn the exception stack trace into a string more conveniently using Log.getStackTraceString(Throwable t):

try {
    // Brave attempt
} catch(Exception e) {
    String stackTrace = Log.getStackTraceString(e);
    Log.d("YourTag", stackTrace); // Quick and dirty strat for getting stack trace string
}

Inspect the current thread's stack using Thread.dumpStack():

// Right here, right now
Thread.dumpStack(); // Spills the magic potion that reveals your trace

Customizing your stack trace

Sometimes, you need your stack trace in a specific format or want some elements displayed differently. Java's got you covered:

StackTraceElement[] stackTraceElements = Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace();
StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder();
for (StackTraceElement element : stackTraceElements) {
    sb.append(element.toString()).append("\n");
}
Log.d("StackTrace", sb.toString()); // Voila! Your personal gourmet stack trace

Notice "x more" in your stack trace? Don't ignore it - it's Java's way of muting redundant noisemakers!

Logging with style

Always use log tags that uniquely identify where and why the log is emitted. Filter logcat output accordingly when debugging. Check out Android's official log documentation for more knowledge nuggets!

Taming the beast: handling complex stack traces

With complex applications, a stack trace may feel like a beast of data. Use logcat filtering, break the stack trace into sections, analyze individual blocks for a better grasp!