How to check if Async Task is already running

Question

I have an app that needs to do an intensive database operation on start up. The app holds a local copy of the contacts on the phone and synchronizes with the android contact

Answer 1

Use getStatus() to get the status of your AsyncTask. If status is AsyncTask.Status.RUNNING then your task is running.

EDIT: you should reconsider your implementation and hold the AsyncTask probably in a Service or IntentService to fetch your data from the web.