I'm interested in developing roms for myself and have tried the kitchen and haven't had much luck. What tools, applications, OS, etc are needed to begin developing? My apologies if this has already been answered.
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twotouchface said:
I'm interested in developing roms for myself and have tried the kitchen and haven't had much luck. What tools, applications, OS, etc are needed to begin developing? My apologies if this has already been answered.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
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Ok, the first question you have to ask yourself is what you are looking to do ? Are you wanting to develop a rom from scratch ( one giant size learning curve here ) OR do you want to take a base rom and customize it ( basically theming the rom ) OR do you want to find a port from a different device and adapt it to a Sprint note 3 ( cool but usually a lot of issues and things that don't work ). Here is some info http://xda-university.com/as-a-developer/introduction-how-an-android-rom-is-built and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1661770 and some videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDXUZN7--Xo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pAr5VzpxyY and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2148315 .
I have been getting into Theming roms, learning how to use the Apktool, notepad++, and Beyond Compare and GIMP to modify and create images ( the learning curve is steep ) !!! OH and you need a better then average computer, crashed mine once already !!!
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Hi guys,
I think I have been an xda user long enough..so I though, why dont I try my hand in developing and be more of a giver than a taker in this great community.
Problem is, I dont know where to start. So if you dev guys could give me an effective learning path(study this first, then this, then this)..I would be most greatful!
Im not a developer by training(an accountant, of all things!!), however, I did get into IT audit so I know a little bit about the different flavors of unix..and I love coding(we use some scripting software in the trade, i know i know, its different) and i am never happier than trying to figure out how to make things work using code..
I know some of you may laugh at me, but I really am interested in this.
Thanks!
There's a great site here with lots of useful info
If your endgame is to develop for Android it might be best for you to jump in the deep end and start learning Java immediately. Don't worry about learning it by developing Android applications, just focus on developing on PC and you will have a much easier time. Once you've picked up the basics of Object Orientated programming then it's time to take a look at the Android APIs and go through some tutorials so you can see how the apps come together.
At the end of the day it's going to be a big job for you because you have very little experience. Unfortunately theres no real easy way out so you just have to put in the hours.
Yep!! Sleepless nights! Just like a real dev..hehehe... I do know some languages like vb..python..javascript..but that was just me muckin around..nothin serious also..already had the netbeans ide setup...and got my java hello world cherry popped..hahaha..so lame
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DreadPirateDan said:
There's a great site here with lots of useful info
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Thanks man!!! Looks good!
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saunderez said:
If your endgame is to develop for Android it might be best for you to jump in the deep end and start learning Java immediately. Don't worry about learning it by developing Android applications, just focus on developing on PC and you will have a much easier time. Once you've picked up the basics of Object Orientated programming then it's time to take a look at the Android APIs and go through some tutorials so you can see how the apps come together.
At the end of the day it's going to be a big job for you because you have very little experience. Unfortunately theres no real easy way out so you just have to put in the hours.
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Yes..that is my endgame..but i was hoping you guys could point me to some android specific stuff..like how kernerls work..etc..basically i want to know the environment first...using google doesnt really yield in depth stuff
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Android is basically Linux with a custom UI.
If you want to know how kernels work (and you really shouldn't(!) if your goal is to make apps, as that's REALLY in-depth lowlevel stuff) just check out how Linux works - there's a million million articles on the net about the internals of Linux.
Android specific app development stuff, incl. tutorials and samples are here:
http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html
Maybe you just wanna setup the SDK and try to get the "Hello World" working, continue from there.
SDK: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
So I've done some minor things in the past but now that I have the Evo 3D all these great roms are inspiring me to take my knowledge of the android further.
when you were on the road to being a developer did you start of with mods/tweaks, themes, apps, screwing around with the contents of the rom, building/editing kernels, etc etc?
I really want to get serious about this
Well if you want to be a developer...
First learn C++, C, then Java. Learn about the Android/linux system structure etc. etc.
From then on I assume it's just practice and editing. Maybe getting into mods/tweaks, and then actually building kernels/roms...
yousefak said:
Well if you want to be a developer...
First learn C++, C, then Java. Learn about the Android/linux system structure etc. etc.
From then on I assume it's just practice and editing. Maybe getting into mods/tweaks, and then actually building kernels/roms...
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I already know Java, do you think I should learn C++ anyway?
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SoraX64 said:
I already know Java, do you think I should learn C++ anyway?
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If you're developing apps, all you need to know is Java.
If you want to do kernel things (not sure about ROM) then you'll def need to know C. (i dont think c++ is used in the kernels but it's nice to know anyway)
yousefak said:
If you're developing apps, all you need to know is Java.
If you want to do kernel things (not sure about ROM) then you'll def need to know C. (i dont think c++ is used in the kernels but it's nice to know anyway)
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I'm going to have to learn C++ sooner or later anyway. I've wanted to try my hand at app development but I haven't found the time or the inspiration. I just don't know what's worth making.
-x]Trunks[x- said:
So I've done some minor things in the past but now that I have the Evo 3D all these great roms are inspiring me to take my knowledge of the android further.
when you were on the road to being a developer did you start of with mods/tweaks, themes, apps, screwing around with the contents of the rom, building/editing kernels, etc etc?
I really want to get serious about this
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Click to collapse
Start with whatever is OUT of your comfort zone, so you're not just reinforcing what you already know. It will expand your general knowledge and increase niches where you and your efforts can be applied.
Vinchenzop said:
Start with whatever is OUT of your comfort zone, so you're not just reinforcing what you already know. It will expand your general knowledge and increase niches where you and your efforts can be applied.
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^^ some really good advice for almost everything software/computer related
Hey!
A while ago I got the idea of learning how to cook roms.. I made some research on it and I found some helpful stuff on xda. Well, I tried but quiet didn't understand and manage to be successful in doing what was told there..
I've read lots of stuff like "The hardest part of developing roms is getting started". So I guess this is the part where I need the most help
Whatever, the reason why I opened this thread is that I wanna hear some developers. Their ideas on developing; How to get started, their short story on how they started developing...
Basically I wanna learn where/how to start from those people who experienced and managed to become a developer..
I mean, I wanna know your stories as I really think they will help me, they will be examples to me...
Well, not only me, to anyone who reads them.. I'm hoping that this thread will help other newbies like me...
Thanks!
My first android phone was the g1, didn't install CM until the myTouch on t-mobile. I started writing scripts for android phones. Little ones, like LCD Density script or apk removal. Then worked on a theme. Didn't really go anywhere. Fixed a bug for Salvagemod for the Evo, then started working on SalvageMod. Evo needed a kernel after support was said and done, I figured out how to compile it, looking at other commits, I was able to make changes successfully to the Freedom Kernel for the Evo. Then decided that I wanted to work on some gui application. Cmcompiler came about.
While there are many many more details from start to finish. Point is really, that no one is going to teach this to you. You have to want to learn, and you simply have to do it. Its hard work. I have spent hours and hours of messing with things to get them to work correctly. Trial and error is a great way to learn android. Sadly "Android" isn't the only thing you have to learn when it comes to development. You need to learn the tools that come with the development, like packaging or install script if you have a local gui application, or git/svn/bzr for version control systems. Most importantly, you need to have fun learning. If you are not having fun. Quit.
I do not feel attracted when you ask devs to answer, but still.
I started with XDAs kitchen.
No development ofcourse, but a good place to start.
I felt XDA kitchen was not enough, so I started to learn BASH - the scripting language in wich Kitchen is written.
I started with opening the "menu" file out of the kitchen.
After a while, I neede batch-resize, as I wanted to become a themer.
I made it together with my dad.
After I saw that some themes contain more items then another, I made CopyFrom.
AndroidCentral was my next idea - a combination of all home-made tools.
Just like lithid, I felt a GUI was needed.
But I started to work on it for cross-platform usage.
Conclusion: writing scripts is a good way to start. Google is my best friend, as I am new to scripting also.
Good luck
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To echo the sentiments of the two previous posts by lithid and mdroid, I also started by writing simple scripts and small projects. Android Utility was my start up project.
My first real projects involved Rosie (HTC Sense launcher) and theming it. Then it become modding the apk to do other things (remapped, 4x5, 5 column app drawer, transparency, etc). The process of learning how to theme and mod one apk really helps you learn.
My recommendation is to pick one particular aspect of your device/Rom and learn as much as you can about it. You will find quickly that by doing so you inevitably have to learn how to use the Android tools, scripting, BASIC programming fundamentals, and a general idea of how everything works.
And yes, Google is your friend. Also stackoverflow
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I also wanna to start developing. Thanks the infos. Can you write a few standard dev-tools name?
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After creating this thread and reading the opinions of developers I followed this tut and tried this kitchen.. Helps in modifying a ROM.
And as I already had Cygwin installed using the way shown in the above tutorial I tried this tool for modifying the boot.img..
And if you want to modify apps you can give a shot to this tool...
These tools are basically really easy to use and efficient. Especially for a newbie like me.
oh, and these words of cyanogen would be really helpful..
start developing is not easy...but if you really want it and can dedicatebtime and patience all will just be fine... it's not recommended that u try to do all at first...maybe just a mod can be ok for you or anyone starting here...try modding a rom,changing stuff,adding tweaka and playing with build.prop as well...then if all goes right u can think on modding more stuff like apjs,themes,including simo comex apks...those who needs extra settings,etc... you'll gain xperience as long as time goes on and will fibd lot of interesting stuff u'd like to invlude on builds...so don't rush...good roms need time and patience
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Thanks! when I read your ideas, telling me to play around with a rom and all that. I feel that Im really lucky. I've already been playing around with the ROMs I've used so far.. like editing build.prop, basic theming, editing apks, I once edited framework-res.apk to enable the navigation bar, etc...
Yesterday I tried porting MIUIv4 on the cm9 for for my device following some tuts on xda.. I did everything right, but no luck I get stuck in boot logo... Whatever I'll not give up!
I'm planning to study those kitchen stuff more for now, I'll give a shot to the tutorial mentioned on the portal today..
Whats your device?
My next plan to modding a ROM. I read also the MIUI porting thread, that's not hard. A long time ago, with my previously phone, the Xperia X8 (miss you...), i tuned up the stock ROM and modified a cooked ROM for myself - without XDA. I registered after here.
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LG GT-540 optimus
I know. Its really easy. Plus I tried to port MIUI by mikegapinski on cm9 by miroslav_mm.. both roms are developed for GT-540.. I do everything right but I get stuck...
I don't what to mod, I mean I don't have any ideas... so Ill try porting MIUI
Hey bro. My advice? Do some heavy softmodding first (Take lets say tejas rom and add themes, adjust framework, add tweaks, add custom animations.custom this custom that basically add what you think is nice and yeah after long you will get more and more weird ideas )
I've been slowly working on a Windows tool for porting ROMS, mainly for my own entertainment. So far I'm to the point where it will successfully copy and merge all the applicable framework,lib, etc. files to/from a base and ported ROM and change some various settings automatically (like build and setup files). I was thinking about adding a directory structure and file compare tool into it to help debug issues. I'm not sure how many people here use Windows to port ROMS but I know the fragmented sloppy nature of open source development can drive people nuts so I thought something like this may help. Is this something anybody would be interested in?
This would be an amazing thing to have!
I would love to use it, maybe we could get some sensation Roms over here
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I'm sure this weekend I can find some time to put something together (at least part of it). I think the only thing I have left to do for the "basic" functionality is get it to change the updater script and some other random files. After the ROM is ported I could have it autmatically send an email to HTC Dev telling them how much they suck.
Wow this be nice! Does this man darknightmare will finally be able to port Sony's Xperia ROMS lol jk look forward to this tool man
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mwalker2k10 said:
I'm sure this weekend I can find some time to put something together (at least part of it). I think the only thing I have left to do for the "basic" functionality is get it to change the updater script and some other random files. After the ROM is ported I could have it autmatically send an email to HTC Dev telling them how much they suck.
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Lol thats the spirit
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mwalker2k10 said:
I'm sure this weekend I can find some time to put something together (at least part of it). I think the only thing I have left to do for the "basic" functionality is get it to change the updater script and some other random files. After the ROM is ported I could have it autmatically send an email to HTC Dev telling them how much they suck.
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Click to collapse
Would this basic program just be doing the "copy from base to port" type of stuff that tutorials basically cover, or would this decompile/recompile specific parts of things like framework and whatnot? If just the former it would be a useful time saver, but you may want to add a ddisclaimer that the program by itself won't always put out a working port.
It is unfortunate that our amaze is such a pain to port to..
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Silentbtdeadly said:
Would this basic program just be doing the "copy from base to port" type of stuff that tutorials basically cover, or would this decompile/recompile specific parts of things like framework and whatnot? If just the former it would be a useful time saver, but you may want to add a ddisclaimer that the program by itself won't always put out a working port.
It is unfortunate that our amaze is such a pain to port to..
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For starters probably just automate a lot of the tedious copy/replace operations that are needed and a file/directory compare tool geared toward android, find/replace in files, etc. but I see no reason why it couldn't decompile and recompile .jars and .apks...or pretty much anything. I've been a programmer for years but I'm new to android so I'm still putzing around the internet looking for various info.
mwalker2k10 said:
For starters probably just automate a lot of the tedious copy/replace operations that are needed and a file/directory compare tool geared toward android, find/replace in files, etc. but I see no reason why it couldn't decompile and recompile .jars and .apks...or pretty much anything. I've been a programmer for years but I'm new to android so I'm still putzing around the internet looking for various info.
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Give it a go, one reason I don't like porting is all the tedious work
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How to start with custom roms ? First of all i want to say that i'm 100% noob i don't have any knowledge at all . All i've doing for last 3 yrs is flashing roms and themes almost every single day ,but now i want to go to next level i want to start "cooking" roms and writing apps for Android.
What kind of books i suppose to read abour Java ? or about C++ ?
Please guide which programing language is the best for android.
I started getting old (34 yrs old) and it's shame that i don't know that staff at least for me because i've always love computers and everything related but now i know that android environment is where i want to be and what i want to do.
So please help me out i'm waiting for Your suggestions and guides .
Thank You in advance.
mr. budden as for as i concern it depends upon your personal interest that what kind of apps you are going to make.. you can get started with the app called "AIDE" from google play store :thumbup:
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If you're looking on to building ROM from source you should definitely start from here. Android Chef Central contains most tutorials on ROM building. You can also refer to XDA University.
If you're looking for coding Android apps, starting from java will be good as most apps are written in Java. Do coding exercises to attain skills and logics. Time, dedication and passion is the most important things that matters if you get into these. And 34 years is not at all old for learning stuffs
No,you donot need any java or c programm knoledge for rom development.
There are several guides in xda as well as on other fourms ,you can search them...
Happy developing.:thumbup:
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