[Updated: 04/June/2011] [How-To] Create update.zip flashable via recovery - XPERIA X10 Android Development

Hey everyone just thought that this info might be useful to the this community...
this info is already available, though in parts, over XDA forums.. so i thought that i will try n make it easily available/understandable to all users here...
seems this info is useful to other android users too... so will try and post generic as well as X10 specific info...
WARNING:
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FILES THAT U CREATE USING THIS INFO
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF U LOOSE UR DATA WHEN TRYING THIS OUT
REMEMBER THIS DEALS WITH SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS AND ANY WRONG COMMAND CAN RENDER UR CURRENT ROM UNUSABLE/BROKEN
SO BE SURE U CAN USE FLASHTOOL TO FLASH STOCK FW IF U END UP WITH UNUSABLE/BROKEN SYSTEM
DO NOT CIRCULATE THE UPDATE.ZIPs CREATED UNLESS U ARE CERTAIN THAT THEY WORK PROPERLY
ALSO DO NOT FLASH ANY RANDOM UPDATE.ZIP WHICH U DOWNLOAD UNLESS U CHECK OUT THE CODE WRITTEN IN THE UPDATE SCRIPT
now that i have scared u enough lets begin...
[BASICS]
there are two versions of update scripts (codes/syntax) which can be used:
Amend (update-script)
Edify (updater-script) [along with update-binary]
both of the above mentioned versions use different syntax...
both of these versions work on the recoveries currently available for x10 (xRecovery & FreeXperia Recovery)
ONLY EDIFY SYNTAX IS SUPPORTED BY xRecovery v1.0.0 (latest recovery for X10)
these files can be found in "\META-INF\com\google\android" of the zip package... depending on which file update-script OR updater-script is present in the update.zip u will understand which update scripts (codes/syntax) is to be used...
[SYNTAX | READING MATERIAL]
following are very useful guides which cover most of the available syntax...
Amend (update-script) by TylTru
Edify (updater-script) by coolexe
[WIP] How to Write an Updater-Script with Edify Code
UID and GIDs [related to setting proper permissions]
[IMP] info related to Edify for ROM makers
[PROGRAM | APPLICATION]
now that u follow the differences lets get the program to make update.zips and sign them...
Update.zip 2.0 Modifier/Creator by Daneshm90
its a windows only tool and i personally use it regularly to make update.zips
read through that post as it is pretty straight forward on how the application works... there is even a video... and it even signs the zip...
this program basically handles (modifies/creates) only Amend (update-script) but u can just place ur modified updater-script (along with the update-binary) in <ROOT_DIR_OF_PROGRAM>\placehere\META-INF\com\google\android\
and execute update.bat to make the update.zip package.... this program automatically signs the zip so u wont have any errors while flashing...
[ EXAMPLES ]
Amend scripts (update-script)
list of functions that can be used in Edify scripts and explanations about them by nubecoder
[ CONVERTORS ]
update-script to edify script converter by Chumby_666 (a.k.a. aZuZu)
amend2edify script converter by nubecoder
[ADDITIONAL INFO]
i will keep adding more to this as and when i get time...
till then happy reading the links posted here...
also if u have any queries/doubts feel free to post them here...
[BEST OF LUCK]

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Usefull information. There is update zip for ubuntu?

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hymns said:
Usefull information. There is update zip for ubuntu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anantshri is working on Ubuntu Lucid CHROOT but the images are around 140 to 700 MB compressed and 3.5GB uncompressed... so as of now it doesnt make much sense to create update.zips for them... better option is to uncompress them on the PC and then place the extracted files on SDCARD (card reader/etc)...

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thats wonderful...
Hi Doomlord,
thats a wonderful work..i mean thats a perfect explanation of creating update.zips...
another alternative, which i use frequently to update apps in system forlder only is..
go to titanium back up options and create update.zip
now select this update.zip from mounted SD card and then open it with 7zip or any zip editor.
then replace system/app forlder ->app to any app u want to install in system..
save and close the file. and u r good to go...
just an alternative which i personally found easy...but nothing to take away from your awsum thread here..keep the good work..thanks..

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Nikhil_007 said:
Hi Doomlord,
thats a wonderful work..i mean thats a perfect explanation of creating update.zips...
another alternative, which i use frequently to update apps in system forlder only is..
go to titanium back up options and create update.zip
now select this update.zip from mounted SD card and then open it with 7zip or any zip editor.
then replace system/app forlder ->app to any app u want to install in system..
save and close the file. and u r good to go...
just an alternative which i personally found easy...but nothing to take away from your awsum thread here..keep the good work..thanks..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah thats a nice idea to do it on the device itself!
u can even add specific files which need to be placed on other partitions (SYSTEM / DATA / SDCARD) when flashing it from recovery... though u will have to edit update-script for the recovery to copy those files..

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Root Explorer:
1. Long press on folder you want to zip
2. Select Compress into .zip
3. Wham, Bam, thank you Ma'am!
Use META Wipe Data for flashing ROMS
Use META No Data Wipe for flashing Updates, themes, etc.

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Thank you mate. Great source of info as usual

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thank you DooMLoRD for this great topic and for all your usffull comment around X10 dev forum .
but i have a qustion :
i am beginner in cooking roms but i want to ask you how to use FreeX10 Froyo by Z to built a full froyo rom ?
and what i can do with X10_2.2_Froyo_sources.tar.bz2
thanks alot

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Ahmed radi said:
thank you DooMLoRD for this great topic and for all your usffull comment around X10 dev forum .
but i have a qustion :
i am beginner in cooking roms but i want to ask you how to use FreeX10 Froyo by Z to built a full froyo rom ?
and what i can do with X10_2.2_Froyo_sources.tar.bz2
thanks alot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi! thank you!
i am sorry but even i dont know how to build a rom from sources... wht most chefs do is just mix files from various roms, using FreeX10 as base and then adding content from other roms (of other devices)

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thank you DooMLoRD
ok great , but i need to know what is the important files should copy from Freex10 to other roms ?
thanx man

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have found a other methode for make a update.zip fast and easier!!
hi..
I have found a other methode for make a update.zip fast and easier!!
You can downloading a update.zip, whatever you want ... for example;
you downloaded update3.zip. open it with 7zip
in update3.zip> (you have 3 folders> data, META-INF, system)
is missing you as a path,
for example, because you want to update an audio fix .. can you just move the lib folder in System Folder.
if you want to update system apps, you can move the desired app in the System folder> app
framework-res> in system> framwork
the META-INF file from update3.zip should always be maintained.
It is important that you choose a update.zip,! Since the directories and systemlinks / already been set with the open-mentioned program are correct!
can not explain it better .. this method saves me a lot of time and is, I think the easiest way.
greeting edgar......

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EdgarCupari said:
hi..
I have found a other methode for make a update.zip fast and easier!!
You can downloading a update.zip, whatever you want ... for example;
you downloaded update3.zip. open it with 7zip
in update3.zip> (you have 3 folders> data, META-INF, system)
is missing you as a path,
for example, because you want to update an audio fix .. can you just move the lib folder in System Folder.
if you want to update system apps, you can move the desired app in the System folder> app
framework-res> in system> framwork
the META-INF file from update3.zip should always be maintained.
It is important that you choose a update.zip,! Since the directories and systemlinks / already been set with the open-mentioned program are correct!
can not explain it better .. this method saves me a lot of time and is, I think the easiest way.
greeting edgar......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so u dont believe in setting permissions in the update.zip is it?
the most important thing is that u READ the update-script / updater-script PROPERLY before using any update.zip... and modify it for ur needs...

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Create it in mnt since its a rootfs set perms rxrxrx Meta then set your perms 4 w.e else I'd getzipsigner 2 to make sure its right..
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

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EXAMPLE FOR AMEND SCRIPTS (update-script)
from my experience (for X10 users only):
Edify scripts (updater-script) support copying to /tmp but Amend scripts (update-script) doesnt allow such a location... it only allows for SYSTEM, DATA, CACHE
the Edify scripts (updater-script) doesnt always work properly on our current recovery... better stick to Amend scripts (update-script)...
any programs that u want to run (which doesnt require additional files) place it at the root of ur packege
any programs that u want to run (which require additional files) place it at the /data/local/tmp folder of ur packege
Additional: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5776278&postcount=3
(generic info for all androids)
format:
Code:
format SYSTEM:
format DATA:
format CACHE:
copy package:
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
copy_dir PACKAGE:data DATA:
copy_dir PACKAGE:cache CACHE:
set permissions:
Code:
set_perm_recursive 0 0 0755 0644 SYSTEM:
set_perm_recursive 0 2000 0755 0755 SYSTEM:bin
set_perm 0 0 04755 SYSTEM:bin/su
set_perm 0 0 0755 SYSTEM:etc/dhcpcd/dhcpcd-run-hooks
...
.
.
..
busybox installation:
Code:
run_program PACKAGE:installbusybox
installbusybox:
Code:
#!/system/bin/sh
cd /system/bin
/system/bin/chmod 755 busybox
./busybox --install -s /system/bin
OR
Code:
#!/system/bin/sh
cd /system/bin
/system/bin/chmod 755 busybox
./busybox --install -s /system/xbin
running any other program/shell script:
Code:
run_program PACKAGE:mycustomshellscript.sh
OR
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:data DATA:
set_perm 0 0 777 DATA:local/tmp/mycustomshellscript.sh
run_program DATA:local/tmp/mycustomshellscript.sh
OR
-[ i have not tested the following but might work ]-
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:tmp TMP:
set_perm 0 0 777 TMP:mycustomshellscript.sh
run_program TMP:mycustomshellscript.sh
contents of mycustomshellscript.sh:
Code:
#!/sbin/sh
<commands u want to execute>
using update.zip for app installation :
place the app (appname.apk) in <rootdir>\app\
if u want to "install" an app as system app then
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:app SYSTEM:app
else if u want it as a user app then
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:app DATA:app
for modules:
place the module (modulename.ko) in <rootdir>\system\lib\modules
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
set_perm 0 0 0644 SYSTEM:lib/modules/modulename.ko
for modified chargemon (Xperia Android users only):
place the modified chargemon script in <rootdir>\system\bin
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
set_perm 0 0 04755 SYSTEM:bin/chargemon
set_perm 0 0 04755 SYSTEM:bin/charger
for copying files to SDCARD:
place the files u want to copy to sdcard in: <rootdir>\sdcard\
for copying GScript scripts: place the .sh files in: <rootdir>\sdcard\gscript\
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:sdcard SDCARD:

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Hi doom thanks for this great tutorial...Im trying to learn these thing so I tried to make an update.zip to install astro as system app
using Daneshm90 tool here is what I did but didnt work...
first copied the directories to the placehere folder:like this=>> placehere/system/app/astro.apk
then chose the forst option: creat update-script
then 1. copy directories
what partition to place files in?: system
what folder within that partition?: app
what folder from this update.zip within placehere folder?: app
then I chose 6. set permissiions for file
what partition is the file located in?: system
what file within that partition?: app/astro.apk
UID ?: (I had no Idea what this is so I entered chmod number 644)
GID ?: (again have no idea so just pressed enter and skiped)
MODE ?: (same as above)
then 8.done
and 2.create update.zip
and obviously didnt work
could you please help me?
Thanks

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Mortyx10 said:
Hi doom thanks for this great tutorial...Im trying to learn these thing so I tried to make an update.zip to install astro as system app
using Daneshm90 tool here is what I did but didnt work...
first copied the directories to the placehere folder:like this=>> placehere/system/app/astro.apk
then chose the forst option: creat update-script
then 1. copy directories
what partition to place files in?: system
what folder within that partition?: app
what folder from this update.zip within placehere folder?: app
then I chose 6. set permissiions for file
what partition is the file located in?: system
what file within that partition?: app/astro.apk
UID ?: (I had no Idea what this is so I entered chmod number 644)
GID ?: (again have no idea so just pressed enter and skiped)
MODE ?: (same as above)
then 8.done
and 2.create update.zip
and obviously didnt work
could you please help me?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are just copying a file then do this. Create a folder "app" and place the apk inside it.
And use only this line in update-script to copy it to /system/app
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:app SYSTEM:app
I know it is not "ideal" but works for me and saves me some time. ( i am one of the most laziest persons you will ever meet)

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Hi thanks for the reply
I just did it and its a no go for me
Cant mount system/app
error in line 1 or something like this

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Mortyx10 said:
Hi thanks for the reply
I just did it and its a no go for me
Cant mount system/app
error in line 1 or something like this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you adding a blank line after that?
Sent from my X10project using XDA App

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Mortyx10 said:
Hi doom thanks for this great tutorial...Im trying to learn these thing so I tried to make an update.zip to install astro as system app
using Daneshm90 tool here is what I did but didnt work...
first copied the directories to the placehere folder:like this=>> placehere/system/app/astro.apk
then chose the forst option: creat update-script
then 1. copy directories
what partition to place files in?: system
what folder within that partition?: app
what folder from this update.zip within placehere folder?: app
then I chose 6. set permissiions for file
what partition is the file located in?: system
what file within that partition?: app/astro.apk
UID ?: (I had no Idea what this is so I entered chmod number 644)
GID ?: (again have no idea so just pressed enter and skiped)
MODE ?: (same as above)
then 8.done
and 2.create update.zip
and obviously didnt work
could you please help me?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually i just use the update.zip creator to "pack" & sign the files...
once u have the files in place... just go to...
placehere\META-INF\com\google\android
and edit the update-script
if u have app in:
placehere\system\app\astro.apk
u just need
Code:
copy_dir PACKAGE:system SYSTEM:
once u finish editing the file
just run Script.bat
enter: n (do not clean previous files)
enter: 2 (create update.zip)
thats it!
a new file update.zip will be created in root folder of the program

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@realunited no I don't do it manually
@Doom well dont know why but still not working....same error in recovery...cant mount system line1
Dont I need to set permissions cuz its in system?
Sent from my X10 TripNMiUI using XDA App