Related
hey everyone, I've been with android since release on the g1 and have followed it since. but now I'm tired of being just a user and want to learn how to develope roms. I would rather have some one teach me first hand, but links to some places that helped you would be great too. So again, Im looking for a dev who would want to teach me, if some money is wanted, that's fine. thanks for reading. reply here and/or PM me. I am very serious about learning, I dont just want little tips/tricks or pointers.
Edit: I have a bit of skill in C++ and Java, but nothing too significant. I lost interest in writing programs, same with apps, no interest, everything has been done over and over again.
I have created a site specifically just for this. I have a link in the signature but feel free to just click here @green rom project
stoute said:
I have created a site specifically just for this. I have a link in the signature but feel free to just click here @green rom project
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot.
thank you too
I didn't find anything there that isn't here on xda.
JDV28 said:
I didn't find anything there that isn't here on xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, but for new users in building roms, it's easy if it is gathered in one place, instead of searching all over xda that sometimes you can get yourself lost
What ARE you looking for?
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
jbirdvegas said:
What ARE you looking for?
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some sort of a guide to developing roms. even porting. not an "all in one" guide. thats unrealistic and would most likely suck, seeing as its such a broad subject.
that site, is... i dont even know. not to insult you, but i found it to be useless. the single guide you have on there is for setting up the htc kitchen, which i figured out in 5 minutes on my own. I would suggest making a "Guides" section of that site, so it isnt JUST forums, and adding, well, GUIDES. you pointed me there to help me, but there was nothing on the forums even close to helping me.
What os are you running? Have you succesfully compiled the source yet either aosp or cm?
CyanogenMod's github is a great place to learn repo the source. Read the commits @ github.com/cyanogenmod all commits are commented to make reading changes easier.
Aosp is also on [email protected] github.com/android building aosp can be more tricky.
Cm is aosp with many custom packages included to see what is and isn't aosp [email protected] github.com/CyanogenMod/android
default.xml contains references to what packages are cyanogen and what is aosp
Either way you need to start by getting very familiar with
github.com/CyanogenMod/android_vendor_cyanogenmod
Look in the products folder at the .mk files
and how they are invoked by core/Makefile in
github.com/CyanogenMod/android_build
Also pay attention to build/envsetup.sh
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
How noob at developing are you?
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
jbirdvegas said:
How noob at developing are you?
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your last post was quite helpful. Barely anything at all.
best bet start by getting the source to compile... sounds simple but can be tricky
most importantly get to know ~/android/system/build
you can't produce a custom rom without understanding when and how everything is compiled
JDV28 said:
hey everyone, I've been with android since release on the g1 and have followed it since. but now I'm tired of being just a user and want to learn how to develope roms. I would rather have some one teach me first hand, but links to some places that helped you would be great too. So again, Im looking for a dev who would want to teach me, if some money is wanted, that's fine. thanks for reading. reply here and/or PM me. I am very serious about learning, I dont just want little tips/tricks or pointers.
Edit: I have a bit of skill in C++ and Java, but nothing too significant. I lost interest in writing programs, same with apps, no interest, everything has been done over and over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Kitchen will be your best bet. Very easy to follow. Read the whole post at least twice and you will be good to go. Follow all the links.
This is what i used from the ground up and i have my own rom on my HTC EVO 4G.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
http://theunlockr.com/2010/03/26/ho...om-for-android-part-1-setting-up-the-kitchen/
http://theunlockr.com/2010/04/15/ho...m-for-android-part-2-creating-your-first-rom/
Credit goes to dsixda. he created android kitchen. If you like this, please donate to him.
"Dont forget to hit the thanks button if i helped you"
I'm new to the Dev world myself... I've done a lot of reading and research and I've gotten to the point of building and modding Roms to contribute to the community here. I've only done rom's for the Eris, which isn't as complex as some of the other devices, but I'm willing to share my knowledge if you need it.
The basics you will need:
1. Linux (I've tried doing this in windows, not worth the hassle!), either ubuntu or linux mint work well (Mint is a windows "like" os, so it might be easier to start with that).
2. Android SDK Kit (You can google it)
3. APK Manager (If you need to decompile APK's to make changes, this tool makes things a lot easier!)
4. Android Kitchen (A must if you are porting and to keep your Rom's cleaned up!)
5. A working understanding of XML and some java code is extremely helpful!
6. Time and Commitment! Devving, by any standard, is a time consuming process! You can easily make a Rom, but keeping the masses happy requires updates to nightly sources and time to rebuild what you've started!
I've spent so much time updating, compiling, modding and theming that my family voices plenty of complaints! But, the reward of building something that works and seeing others benefit from your creation is well worth the effort! Balancing your time, if you have a family to consider, is key to succeeding with this!
If you'd like more help, send me a PM! I'll work with you as much as I can!
I setup the kitchen, as i previously said, but didnt find any use for it except maybe adding minor features to a completely stock rom. i have linux set up with the SDK. i just dont know where to go from there...even compiling from source
Read everything here
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Building_from_source
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
JDV28 said:
I setup the kitchen, as i previously said, but didnt find any use for it except maybe adding minor features to a completely stock rom. i have linux set up with the SDK. i just dont know where to go from there...even compiling from source
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent you a PM back, bro.
Having Linux, SDK and the Kitchen setup gets you about 75% of the way there!
The basic steps to compiling from source run through the Terminal in Linux. You will need to pull in the CM repository (the link jbirdvegas posted will give the instructions to do that). Once the repository is setup, you will need to load the proprietary files for the device you're building for in order to sync the correct source. (repo sync -j16 will sync the source and build your folders for compiling). You will need to plug in your phone through USB and extract the proprietaries through ADB. Example, my build location in Linux is "android/system" in that folder there will be a device folder with folders for each device brand and build. My eris is listed in CM as desirec, so my drive folder location is "android/system/devices/htc/desirec". In order to pull my proprietary files, I would have to do the following:
1. In terminal; "cd android/system/devices/htc/desirec" (This puts me in the correct build folder)
2. su (puts terminal in root) - type in password
3. "./adb kill-server" (shuts down adb)
4. "./adb start-server" (starts adb)
5. "exit" (puts you back in standard terminal)
6. "./adb devices" (verify your device shows - if you get ????????, adb did not start right)
7. "./extract-files.sh" (this will extract the proprietary files from your device and place them in the device folder for building)
8. "cd"
9. "cd android/system" (puts you back in the CM build folder)
Once that's done, all you basically need to do after that is:
"source build/envsetup.sh" (Setup source build)
"lunch" (this will give you a list of builds - pick your device)
"make -j# bacon" (# is the number of processors your phone has +1)
The Repo Sync and Make commands will take time, but once you've finished the Make cycle, your Rom (if there were no errors) will be compiled, signed and ready to flash on your device. From there, you can use the kitchen to add "tweaks" to your rom (CM sources are usually pre-setup, but you can still add things like "data/app" access to your Rom).
Hopefully this takes you to the next step. PM me if you run into problems, I'll help you through it.
If you get abd shows your device as ??????????
Google 51-android.rules on how to setup udev
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
jbirdvegas said:
Read everything here
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Building_from_source
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
about 50% of those pages are empty, does it matter what phone i click on for now? nothing shows up for Glacier
JDV28 said:
about 50% of those pages are empty, does it matter what phone i click on for now? nothing shows up for Glacier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jbirdvegas has it right on the adb correction if your device isn't found. I'll look for setting up the rules and post the link a little later.
Glacier doesn't have instructions yet, but there are CM builds for it. If you follow the evo instructions that will get you setup. Just replace supersonic with glacier to get your device established. There wasn't one for the Eris, either, and the EVO instructions are what I used.
Also, if you're building for GB and you're on a 32-bit system, it will tell you you cannot build it. There is a bypass; I'm using a 32-bit system and just removed the "end" statement in the make file. My builds work just fine, so bypassing the environment won't mess up your builds...
My head is bleeding inside from all the reading and searching. I still consider myself a green when it comes to the makeup of android. I am a 40+ windows hacker who is not afraid to take a stab at anything. But I really need a few pointers here.
I am a stock ROM bare bone junkie. I like them clean with just a touch of modding for flare. And Electron, BigFau, and Flapjaxxx has already conquered the UCLF6 ROM. High Five for you 3. :highfive: Since nobody is thinking outside of ATT, I wanted to get a zipaligned, deodexed Rogers UXLF4 version going. It seems to have less bloat to start, has less restrictions (ex: hotspot activated even when using on ATT), and has features such as being able to select Network Mode (Ex: GSM only, HSPA only, GSM/HSPA, or LTE/GSM/HSPA) which the ATT ROM does not. What I have to start is a combine tar file. It includes amss.bin, boot.img, cache.img.ext4, mdm.bin, recovery.img, and system.img.ext4.
I finally ended up creating a version with Dsixda kitchen. Haven't installed it yet, but I am about to. Is the Dsixda a good way to start for a newb like me? Or should I be looking at xUltimate instead?
2 things right off the top that has me betwiddled is how to add the radio to the ROM with Dsixda. Seems everyone else has the AMSS and MDM in a tmp folder and these lines in the updater-script:
package_extract_dir("tmp", "/tmp");
run_program("/sbin/dd", "if=/tmp/mdm.bin", "of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p17");
run_program("/sbin/dd", "if=/tmp/amss.bin", "of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p13");
Is it as simple as that? Now take it easy guys on the answer.......
And the other is everyone's updater-script is similiar to each other, but way different than the one created with dsixda. Almost from the same template. So I know these weren't created completely from scratch. Almost leads me to believe that everyone is using different software/kitchen.
So how bout a firm but gentle kick in the right direction?
Nobody has anything to say??
You would be better off posting in the dev's section.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
wish I could help brother..... but if your green, I'm glow in the dark neon green!!
I would ask a dev direct...
Bold yes, but if done politely, the are very helpful...
I wish you good luck sir!!!.....g
P.s......I'll test for you if you need them.....g
True
I was thinking the same thing, maybe ask a dev. I am sure that some might be more than willing to help/share their knowledge ?
Some list an IRC so you can chat. Its a little easier to troubleshoot code in a chat sesh rather than passing PM's back and forth.
It would'nt have to be a note dev.
curious did anythign come of this... i am interested in a rogers ics based rom myself
Did you receive any help yet ? I'm not a devloper, but I will try and help you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
No sir, or should I say BigSir, I received no help yet. First post pretty much says it all. Every ROM I checked out on here has the same updater script. I used Dsixda kitchen and mine was not the same. Plus after reading almost every page in the kitchen thread I saw no way to add the modem. Was going to hack away at it this weekend again. Would really like to get this stock ROM going for everyone and to give something back to XDA. I just need some pointers.
Agoattamer said:
No sir, or should I say BigSir, I received no help yet. First post pretty much says it all. Every ROM I checked out on here has the same updater script. I used Dsixda kitchen and mine was not the same. Plus after reading almost every page in the kitchen thread I saw no way to add the modem. Was going to hack away at it this weekend again. Would really like to get this stock ROM going for everyone and to give something back to XDA. I just need some pointers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start off with xUltimate. I have used it in the past and it's pretty decent for a beginner or novice. Whatever. Lol. Honestly if you just need the updater-script,you could use the updater-script from another rom. Just make the appropriate changes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
I will give xUltimate a try. Just seemed all ROMs had almost the same updater script and were much bigger than the 1 had created. I wouldn't know what to use from another updater script. I am totally a newb here.
Will xUltimate create a CWM install file? Doesn't that just deodex an installed odex ROM?
Disclaimer: I'm not an android dev but am interested in learning, really my only knowledge of dev'ing is the three hours or so I've spent so far failing at a port this morning. Don't be a douche, I just admitted my ignorance here.
If you don't know about PA (ParanoidAndroid) then go here and marvel > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1717079
It's been ported to the Atrix4G so I figured why not try dx2, and I'm using the A4G ROM in porting. I've been following the instructions here and keep getting hung up on rebuilding the modified framework-res.apk with apktool. The error I'm getting is in the attachments.
My process up to this point is:
- decompile framework-res.apk from PA and our CM9 rom.
- combine framework-res/res/values/ and framework-res/res/xml/ from CM9 to PA folder
- this is where rebuilding the apk fails...
Does anyone know anything about porting that can help? I feel like a lack of knowledge is my problem here.
I have nothing to contribute to this other than a simple good luck. It would be cool to have another option for this phone.
Questions should be asked in Q&A forums, not Development forums.
Thread moved.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
wareju said:
Disclaimer: I'm not an android dev but am interested in learning, really my only knowledge of dev'ing is the three hours or so I've spent so far failing at a port this morning. Don't be a douche, I just admitted my ignorance here.
If you don't know about PA (ParanoidAndroid) then go here and marvel > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1717079
It's been ported to the Atrix4G so I figured why not try dx2, and I'm using the A4G ROM in porting. I've been following the instructions here and keep getting hung up on rebuilding the modified framework-res.apk with apktool. The error I'm getting is in the attachments.
My process up to this point is:
- decompile framework-res.apk from PA and our CM9 rom.
- combine framework-res/res/values/ and framework-res/res/xml/ from CM9 to PA folder
- this is where rebuilding the apk fails...
Does anyone know anything about porting that can help? I feel like a lack of knowledge is my problem here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks pretty straight forward if you are following the instructions here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27602914&postcount=24
Just be real careful with the merge and edits.
Just as a test, does your build work if you do not modify the original framework-res.apk from PA?
Yeah that's the guide I was using but kept getting hung up on rebuilding the modified framework-res.apk. Haven't tried without making any framework-res changes, I figured that was crucial.
Sent from DX2 CM9
always a good idea to test your build environment on a known good file set.
DigitalMD said:
always a good idea to test your build environment on a known good file set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're already talking over my head ha, but yeah I do plan to dive back into this soon. If nothing else to learn some of the more technical sides of android. Also going to be running Linux alongside windows soon, may just wait until I get that up and running.
Sent from DX2 CM9
wareju said:
Disclaimer: I'm not an android dev but am interested in learning, really my only knowledge of dev'ing is the three hours or so I've spent so far failing at a port this morning. Don't be a douche, I just admitted my ignorance here.
If you don't know about PA (ParanoidAndroid) then go here and marvel > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1717079
It's been ported to the Atrix4G so I figured why not try dx2, and I'm using the A4G ROM in porting. I've been following the instructions here and keep getting hung up on rebuilding the modified framework-res.apk with apktool. The error I'm getting is in the attachments.
My process up to this point is:
- decompile framework-res.apk from PA and our CM9 rom.
- combine framework-res/res/values/ and framework-res/res/xml/ from CM9 to PA folder
- this is where rebuilding the apk fails...
Does anyone know anything about porting that can help? I feel like a lack of knowledge is my problem here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'd try using the original framework first and then trying to flash it to the dx2 like that. If anything you'd have to update the updater-script and build.prop first before it worked, but it'd be worth a try at least. I haven't messed with the dx2 too much for a while now, but I know for porting ROMs to the samsung fascinate I have to do a bunch of edits & then I have to get data to properly work right (which I'm not sure how to do). So I'd keep trying and keep trying because that'd honestly bring another ROM to the dx2.
I may try and port a rom to the dx2 in the near future, but idk yet.
EDIT: if you need a tester also hit me up on here [pm] or twitter [@ztotherad], my dx2 doesnt have data atm, but i can turn it back on if i need that
also, i may try paranoidandroid port with you, if thats cool
This question is for the folks that are developing custom ROMs.... I'm thinking about trying my hand at creating a custom ROM and I was wondering if the Cygwin & Android Kitchen method was still in use or if there are other options. It's not that it looks hard, but I didn't want to start down that path if the majority of folks were using a different method.
I appreciate any and all feedback.
djsnake210 said:
This question is for the folks that are developing custom ROMs.... I'm thinking about trying my hand at creating a custom ROM and I was wondering if the Cygwin & Android Kitchen method was still in use or if there are other options. It's not that it looks hard, but I didn't want to start down that path if the majority of folks were using a different method.
I appreciate any and all feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not trying to do anything crazy, just maybe add some speed/battery tweaks, theming, remove/add some apps, boot anis, etc.
Basically I want to get my feet wet and I thought that this would be a good way to start.
I have the ZTE Avail 2 (aka Z992) (and it sucks, considering it's a $70 phone, buying a new one isn't an option because I just built a computer). It hasn't had an update since 4.1.1 and it's very slow, (usually have only ~50mb of ram free when just sitting at launcher) even with all of the tricks to speed it up (greenfiy, cleaner, etc) and on top of that, it's loaded with features that ZTE put in that suck. So after searching and searching for a custom ROM with support for my phone, I can confirm there is zero. I looked at the rom dev tutorial - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1272270 and the kitchen program doesn't support my phone either. Does that mean I'm screwed? If there's a way to make a rom compatible other than the android kitchen or straight up learning to program, please tell me. I'm willing to learn anything that isn't hugely time consuming. Thanks for any replies.
FourZer0 said:
Does that mean I'm screwed? If there's a way to make a rom compatible other than the android kitchen or straight up learning to program, please tell me. I'm willing to learn anything that isn't hugely time consuming. Thanks for any replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you are not. You can try many other porting tutorials around the web. I found a list of phones similar to yours, might come in handy.
In fact, since your are trying to "port" ROMs, just think about the fact that "where did those ROMs come from?" Those ROMs were built from source code. The Android project is open source and if you are feeling adventurous, you can just grab the source code and compile it yourself for your device. It might be very easy or very tough, depending on your device. I would advise you to try to build Cyanogenmod 10.1 from source code. Check here and here.
And make sure to check this (must).
Cheers man! Trust me, trying to build Cyanogenmod from source will be a lot of fun!
Thank you! So I found CM for the xperia tipo, which was on the list of similar devices. I should use that one and change whatever needs to be changed, right?
Also, is it possible to do that for 4.4 stock? That may be a better idea if CM consumes too much ram
tuxboy said:
No, you are not. You can try many other porting tutorials around the web. I found a list of phones similar to yours, might come in handy.
In fact, since your are trying to "port" ROMs, just think about the fact that "where did those ROMs come from?" Those ROMs were built from source code. The Android project is open source and if you are feeling adventurous, you can just grab the source code and compile it yourself for your device. It might be very easy or very tough, depending on your device. I would advise you to try to build Cyanogenmod 10.1 from source code. Check here and here.
And make sure to check this (must).
Cheers man! Trust me, trying to build Cyanogenmod from source will be a lot of fun!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, ignore my last replies, I've been reading a lot and kind of know what I'm doing now.
Only problem is, I can't find a stock rom of my phone! The closest thing I found was a custom ROM for a phone similar to mine, which is confirmed working to the one I actually have. So would that do okay? androidforums . com/prelude-all-things-root/795640-azazel-rom-z993-aio.html is the one. Thanks again for any help.
FourZer0 said:
Okay, ignore my last replies, I've been reading a lot and kind of know what I'm doing now.
Only problem is, I can't find a stock rom of my phone! The closest thing I found was a custom ROM for a phone similar to mine, which is confirmed working to the one I actually have. So would that do okay? androidforums . com/prelude-all-things-root/795640-azazel-rom-z993-aio.html is the one. Thanks again for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can easily take a backup of your current ROM. Try booting into recovery and making your own custom recovery (ClockWordMod).
tuxboy said:
You can easily take a backup of your current ROM. Try booting into recovery and making your own custom recovery (ClockWordMod).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I didn't know that would work, thanks again! I have my rom modded like crazy though, tons of xposed modules and build.prop edits, also I uninstalled a lot of stock apps - I'm sure I could get the build.prop somewhere, but what about the other things? Do they matter at all?
Edit: after the backup I now have a ton of tars, a recovery.img, and a boot.img. I extracted all of the tars, now do I just put all of the folders from the tars in a folder with the imgs and that's my base rom?
tuxboy said:
You can easily take a backup of your current ROM. Try booting into recovery and making your own custom recovery (ClockWordMod).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I've come pretty far and I've made several flashable zips and fixed many errors, but there's one thing I can't figure out - the updater script doesn't work, and I realized it's because I was using the one from the original port, and I need the one for my phone, which I can't get from the cwm recovery. I really need the whole META-INF folder. Where can I get that?
I tried for 1 week and i didnt find any official and stable rom for my samsung galaxy note 4 Sm 910h. I used resurrection remix unofficial and camara didnt worked there . Please any solution there help me