Related
I really dislike the "chef" moniker when it comes to Android, since we are more of an open-source community. I think it implies a "file pusher" mentality. But then again, I am biased against proprietary versions of Android like Sense, so feel free to disregard all of this.
Here's my advice for those looking to make their own Android ROMs.. Stop. Write an app or two first, learn how the system works from a developer standpoint. Learn some Java. Read the developer documentation. Learn how to use Git. Then learn how to build AOSP from source. Read the porting guides, and learn how the build system works (the links below have almost everything you could possibly want to know). Now try to put your new found skills to work on enhancing the platform by writing code or making theme overlays. And share! And put that **** on your resume. There is a *ton* of information out there but any kind of "step-by-step rom cooking guide" is going to be a complete fail- it's too broad of a subject.
Android Developer Guides: http://d.android.com
Working with AOSP source: http://source.android.com
Platform Developer Guide: http://pdk.android.com
Android Gitweb: http://android.git.kernel.org
Git Ready (Git tips and tricks): http://www.gitready.com/
Building CyanogenMod: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Building_from_source
How Dexopt works and what are those odex files: http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=pl...bcd225e47b2cc7abb2a366112d3aeb45936;hb=master
The PDK site is absolutely vital if you are going to work on custom ROMs. Read every single page. Twice. Some of the info isn't up to date, but you'll get a really good idea about what goes into actually configuring Android to work on a real device.
I cannot agree more. Learning the in's and out's of the Android framework will benefit newcomers SIGNIFICANTLY.
Building ROMs is easy, fixing bugs and adding new functionality is the fun stuff, and having a solid understanding of the Android framework helps with this. The best way to learn is to pick up the Android SDK and whip up some apps, there are great tutorials out there.
Awesome information! It is good to see I have been reading the right literature... There are also a few that I missed... Thanks again for the links!
cyanogen said:
I really dislike the "chef" moniker when it comes to Android, since we are more of an open-source community. I think it implies a "file pusher" mentality. But then again, I am biased against proprietary versions of Android like Sense, so feel free to disregard all of this.
Here's my advice for those looking to make their own Android ROMs.. Stop. Write an app or two first, learn how the system works from a developer standpoint. Learn some Java. Read the developer documentation. Learn how to use Git. Then learn how to build AOSP from source. Read the porting guides, and learn how the build system works (the links below have almost everything you could possibly want to know). Now try to put your new found skills to work on enhancing the platform by writing code or making theme overlays. And share! And put that **** on your resume. There is a *ton* of information out there but any kind of "step-by-step rom cooking guide" is going to be a complete fail- it's too broad of a subject.
Android Developer Guides: http://d.android.com
Working with AOSP source: http://source.android.com
Platform Developer Guide: http://pdk.android.com
Android Gitweb: http://android.git.kernel.org
Git Ready (Git tips and tricks): http://www.gitready.com/
Building CyanogenMod: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Building_from_source
How Dexopt works and what are those odex files: http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=pl...bcd225e47b2cc7abb2a366112d3aeb45936;hb=master
The PDK site is absolutely vital if you are going to work on custom ROMs. Read every single page. Twice. Some of the info isn't up to date, but you'll get a really good idea about what goes into actually configuring Android to work on a real device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree. But it's cyan saying it, who wouldn't
I am ok with "chef" terms because they were born on XDA, which makes them kinda cool, but I agree that the file-pusher mentality/stereotype is quite derogatory.
I hope this section goes places.
P.S. Hearing a diehard android dev like you (cyanogen) say that you are biased against sense really made me think about how good plain old android really is... so clean and functional. Good stuff bro.
very nice thanks for the info was looking into this...now to fill the brain.
Weird how this is exactly what i was looking for. Time to read. Thank you cyanogen.
I'm with Cyanogen on the bias against pre-built, proprietary code blobs. Even the non-free, basic parts to get AOSP to build for dream give me the hivie-jivies, mostly because the reason we're in such a pit now with further versions of Android is because we have no source to maintain working basic functionality (yeah, video in a device capable of recording/playback is basic).
I'll try to work a couple basic tutorials based on my rom-building exploits covering things from getting android built from source, to actual troubleshooting possible problems, to having a hand at modifying the source so you can make the built your own. I really want to see somebody come up with a real custom rom on the android part of the OS and leave the linux part rest for a while.
Oh man! PDK! Never seen it! Thanks a lot
Great job
As always, my hat is off to you Cyanogen. This is exactly what i was looking for. Once again thanks for your hard work and dedication to the project.
This is awesome. I am going to be learning this stuff over summer. But there seems to be a gap of information between learning the android stuff, and learning the linux stuff.
Hi do you know some guides online to build Overclocked Kernels ???
PDK website
Odd that the PDK website does not function. Anyone know who owns it?
mistere372002 said:
Odd that the PDK website does not function. Anyone know who owns it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine for me. What issues are you having?
I guess I'll be the first in the thread to ask the extreme newbie questions.
Are the links in the OP in a particular reading order, or is there a recommended order?
Since the entirety of my programming experience is some simple VB type stuff, will I be able to learn from the ground up via those links, or will it be more like trying to figure out the words in a Chinese book with no knowledge of the language?
At one point I had managed to cobble together a web front end on my Droid for wowhead.com (all it did was bring up a screen with a search box, which would then pop open the browser with the results of whatever you searched for), but to say I had a firm grasp of what I was doing in my tinkering would be a gross overstatement.
cyanogen said:
I really dislike the "chef" moniker when it comes to Android, since we are more of an open-source community. I think it implies a "file pusher" mentality. But then again, I am biased against proprietary versions of Android like Sense, so feel free to disregard all of this.
Here's my advice for those looking to make their own Android ROMs.. Stop. Write an app or two first, learn how the system works from a developer standpoint. Learn some Java. Read the developer documentation. Learn how to use Git. Then learn how to build AOSP from source. Read the porting guides, and learn how the build system works (the links below have almost everything you could possibly want to know). Now try to put your new found skills to work on enhancing the platform by writing code or making theme overlays. And share! And put that **** on your resume. There is a *ton* of information out there but any kind of "step-by-step rom cooking guide" is going to be a complete fail- it's too broad of a subject.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, firstly thanks for the websites. Personally, I already knew about most of those. But that is beside the point right now.
Why would someone want to learn how to program anything when they are just building a rom? I just don't understand what is wrong with someone only tweaking and slimming a rom down. What point would it be for a website like this to make everybody just go out and learn on their own EVERYTHING, and then what would this site be for? Posting only in the development forums? This is a support website. Plain and simple. Who cares if someone asks a question? If they searched and couldn't find something, let it go.
In your same thought process, very FEW WM chefs could call themselves chefs. And before you ask yes, I could call myself a chef because I have written quite a few apps to assist in building a rom or actual tool for WM. Maybe not the best chef, but one nonetheless.
I just think this is basically discouragement of any new developers/chefs from posting something in fear of being chastised. I am absolutely still learning android. If it wasn't for the people of SDX, particularily joeykrim, I wouldn't be so close to a final product of my Android kitchen.
This being said, maybe I am just full of crap and the only one that will go against your POV. Mainly because I am not afraid to state my opinion. And this POV is wide across the forum and this is why I don't contribute much here anymore
cyanogen said:
I really dislike the "chef" moniker when it comes to Android, since we are more of an open-source community. I think it implies a "file pusher" mentality. But then again, I am biased against proprietary versions of Android like Sense, so feel free to disregard all of this.
Here's my advice for those looking to make their own Android ROMs.. Stop. Write an app or two first, learn how the system works from a developer standpoint. Learn some Java. Read the developer documentation. Learn how to use Git. Then learn how to build AOSP from source. Read the porting guides, and learn how the build system works (the links below have almost everything you could possibly want to know). Now try to put your new found skills to work on enhancing the platform by writing code or making theme overlays. And share! And put that **** on your resume. There is a *ton* of information out there but any kind of "step-by-step rom cooking guide" is going to be a complete fail- it's too broad of a subject.
Android Developer Guides: http://d.android.com
Working with AOSP source: http://source.android.com
Platform Developer Guide: http://pdk.android.com
Android Gitweb: http://android.git.kernel.org
Git Ready (Git tips and tricks): http://www.gitready.com/
Building CyanogenMod: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Building_from_source
How Dexopt works and what are those odex files: http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=pl...bcd225e47b2cc7abb2a366112d3aeb45936;hb=master
The PDK site is absolutely vital if you are going to work on custom ROMs. Read every single page. Twice. Some of the info isn't up to date, but you'll get a really good idea about what goes into actually configuring Android to work on a real device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
cyanogen said:
I really dislike the "chef" moniker when it comes to Android, since we are more of an open-source community. I think it implies a "file pusher" mentality. But then again, I am biased against proprietary versions of Android like Sense, so feel free to disregard all of this.
Here's my advice for those looking to make their own Android ROMs.. Stop. Write an app or two first, learn how the system works from a developer standpoint. Learn some Java. Read the developer documentation. Learn how to use Git. Then learn how to build AOSP from source. Read the porting guides, and learn how the build system works (the links below have almost everything you could possibly want to know). Now try to put your new found skills to work on enhancing the platform by writing code or making theme overlays. And share! And put that **** on your resume. There is a *ton* of information out there but any kind of "step-by-step rom cooking guide" is going to be a complete fail- it's too broad of a subject.
Android Developer Guides: http://d.android.com
Working with AOSP source: http://source.android.com
Platform Developer Guide: http://pdk.android.com
Android Gitweb: http://android.git.kernel.org
Git Ready (Git tips and tricks): http://www.gitready.com/
Building CyanogenMod: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Building_from_source
How Dexopt works and what are those odex files: http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=pl...bcd225e47b2cc7abb2a366112d3aeb45936;hb=master
The PDK site is absolutely vital if you are going to work on custom ROMs. Read every single page. Twice. Some of the info isn't up to date, but you'll get a really good idea about what goes into actually configuring Android to work on a real device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your support/advice,
I'm trying to understand all the stuff in order to create a new ROM for Tattoo from 0, and I will take your info in order to. Crate this ROM and make a step by step manual to help people to understand how to modify their Tattoo's. I will like to see this cooperative knoledge share for this phone. As more peoople understands all this stuff, and all this work done by the comunity, more people will join and share to have better phones every day.
Tanks
java version
hi all,
Working 100%. Thanks for this great work. Now runing this 2.6.34 kernel on tattoo. Just now ajusting the kernel configuration.
Cheers
great advice
Cyanogen
Thanks for your support & advice
Time to start reading....
trying to understand all that is needed ==
TO BE A DEVELOPER..
IF ANY BODY HAS MORE INFO OR VIDEOS ..
PLEASE POST
----------------------------------
Currently own a Sprint EVO 4g > and plan on making great things for it..
Cyanogen you are so damned right. Building a Rom should implicitly mean that you know git, Android, dev and... read api and docs
I'm thinking about dsixda Rom kitchen.
I use its scripts to unpack kernel and zip everything, but largely customized the scripts and added some. In fact I love shell scripts.
I just wish you could also post a link to a toolchain tutorial for those willing to compile binaries from sources on x86 for an ARM architecture. And also to add shared libraries.
Have a nice day.
Hey guys,
I am really curious as to what it takes to build a custom ROM. I am very interested in building my own and want some pointers on the best places to start so I don't waste my time. Any advice will be useful, books, websites, w/e.
Thank you,
r3xx3r
get ready cause this one's going wayyy over your head.
Its one of those things where if you have to ask, you'll never know.
spitefulcheerio said:
Its one of those things where if you have to ask, you'll never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really hate this mentality. People have to start somewhere. Sure they could spend years figuring everything out on their own. Or you could save them a year by pointing them in the right direction. There is such little discussion about this and it's honestly just annoying and a huge negative aspect about the development community.
EDIT: This is for HTC and I haven't watched it, but it might get you started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94Az1kcQvc4
Also, you should definitely look through the source code for open source ROMs. I'm not a ROM developer so I can't really help you more than that, but I hope a real dev gives you an answer.
first and foremost, learn how to use ADB. if you cant use ADB without some kind of script/batch file to do it for you, then stop right here!
personally the first thing i learned was how the updater-script (at the time, we didnt have edify scripting, so it was plain-jane update-script) worked. have a look in a rom's zip file and learn the layout.
learn how to edit apks (decompile/compile) with apktool.
get comfortable with linux (this is just an opinion, as you CAN build roms in windows, but i have found it much easier on my dev laptop with ubuntu 10.10 64bit)
apkmanager is a good tool to have if you are on windows (there is a linux/osx version too, but i havent used it)
learn what zip-aligning means and what it does for your rom
learn what deodexing means and what it does for your rom
different devices benefit from different tweaks within your /system/build.prop . learn which ones work best for your rom (this requires a lot of flashing and testing on your own device)
this whole process is very time consuming and takes a ton of effort on your part. be prepared. while it is a lot of work, it is a lot of fun learning.
once you get proficient at building and tweaking roms, you can start learning how to edit smali
Pirateghost said:
first and foremost, learn how to use ADB. if you cant use ADB without some kind of script/batch file to do it for you, then stop right here!
personally the first thing i learned was how the updater-script (at the time, we didnt have edify scripting, so it was plain-jane update-script) worked. have a look in a rom's zip file and learn the layout.
learn how to edit apks (decompile/compile) with apktool.
get comfortable with linux (this is just an opinion, as you CAN build roms in windows, but i have found it much easier on my dev laptop with ubuntu 10.10 64bit)
apkmanager is a good tool to have if you are on windows (there is a linux/osx version too, but i havent used it)
learn what zip-aligning means and what it does for your rom
learn what deodexing means and what it does for your rom
different devices benefit from different tweaks within your /system/build.prop . learn which ones work best for your rom (this requires a lot of flashing and testing on your own device)
this whole process is very time consuming and takes a ton of effort on your part. be prepared. while it is a lot of work, it is a lot of fun learning.
once you get proficient at building and tweaking roms, you can start learning how to edit smali
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is good information. I, personally, build Aura completely on windows with minimal assistance from cygwin. I use batch files for the common things I use on ADB and the like but I built the scripts myself, so it isn't like I can't do it manually I just don't wanna.
It is both easier and harder than it looks. Aura is the first rom I have built.
One thing, though, is to not accept the current ways as best. Things can always be improved. I have two common mods in my rom that are done completely differently in my rom, without either database editing through scripts or modifying smali inside apk's (the hotspot entitlement check and the 1 signal bar fix). No other roms for the Atrix (I haven't check other phones...) do it this way, not even Darkside which is based somewhat no Aura.
If you are building a rom through the Rom Kitchen... don't use the garbled updater-script it puts out. It mostly works, but it is trash and you won't learn much from it.
Experimentation!
Diviance said:
This is good information. I, personally, build Aura completely on windows with minimal assistance from cygwin. I use batch files for the common things I use on ADB and the like but I built the scripts myself, so it isn't like I can't do it manually I just don't wanna.
It is both easier and harder than it looks. Aura is the first rom I have built.
One thing, though, is to not accept the current ways as best. Things can always be improved. I have two common mods in my rom that are done completely differently in my rom, without either database editing through scripts or modifying smali inside apk's (the hotspot entitlement check and the 1 signal bar fix). No other roms for the Atrix (I haven't check other phones...) do it this way, not even Darkside which is based somewhat no Aura.
If you are building a rom through the Rom Kitchen... don't use the garbled updater-script it puts out. It mostly works, but it is trash and you won't learn much from it.
Experimentation!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. I love hearing from other devs and the methods they prefer.
Sent from my Inspire 4G
this thread died quickly.
too bad because I want to do some studying up on it and creating some coolness myself eventually.
I know with iphones a lot of development was done right from the phone itself especially for app development, is there the same concept here?
and one other question, do you guys make any money off of these things at all? Im always looking for side work...
supermerkin said:
too bad because I want to do some studying up on it and creating some coolness myself eventually.
I know with iphones a lot of development was done right from the phone itself especially for app development, is there the same concept here?
and one other question, do you guys make any money off of these things at all? Im always looking for side work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can create scripts, push and pull files directly from the phone, so in a sense, yes you can work straight from the phone.
as for money...LOL...dont look to this for a secondary income by any means.
i have made all of $28 for my work on the inspire, and nothing from my work on the captivate
Pirateghost said:
you can create scripts, push and pull files directly from the phone, so in a sense, yes you can work straight from the phone.
as for money...LOL...dont look to this for a secondary income by any means.
i have made all of $28 for my work on the inspire, and nothing from my work on the captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey 28 bucks is 28 bucks, granted I made 40 per screen when I used to replace iphone digitizers but money is money you never have enough.
Thanks for the info though!
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
I spend a lot of time flashing my Rom when I am working on it. I usually don't push and pull from the phone since most users aren't doing that and I want to emulate what they will be doing.
As for money... Yeah, not a method of reliable I income if you intend to use it as such. I have probably had around... $125 donated to me by some incredibly awesome people.
If you intend to become a Rom dev, be friendly and responsive. People really appreciate someone who is willing to answer questions and give help where needed. Being standoffish like some I have seen is a sure way to get labeled with some bad words
Thank you guys for the responses. This is something I've been wondering as I've taken the plunge into modifying my Atrix. To say it's been addictive is an understatement. I started toying with the idea of putting my own ROM together pretty early on, so basic info like this is much appreciated.
Like someone said early on in the thread, everyone has to start somewhere so even seemingly small bits of info are always welcome.
The biggest hurdle is understanding adb commands and when to use them. Then, how to view the individual file strings inside the /sytem/build.prop and apks AND actually understand what it means. I have spent hours wandering around in root explorer look in folders and seeing what is inside. Pulling something with adb actually removes it from the phone right? Then I have to adb push back into the folder I pulled from. Should I use Ubuntu on my Win7 pc? I tried eclipse, installer r13, and I do have apkmanager but have yet to figure out how to actually use it.
I learn by doing what someone is telling me so reading it sometimes doesn't make sense since I can't "see" it and what it's supposed to look like. WIsh someone lived nearby to just to help get me started.....Beers and food on me LOL. Or at least had some time over the phone even.
Thanks Diviance (again) and to you PirateGhost for your help.
no adb pull does not remove it from the device. it copies to your local machine
as far as using windows vs linux. use whatever will make you more comfortable. i can assure you a lot of tutorials, and howtos are written with linux in mind, but if you can understand the basics, you will be able to translate it to windows. not to mention once you get into tearing down APKs, jars, dexes, etc....its all the same code inside no matter what tools you are using to get to them. i find linux easier to work with when it comes to stuff like this, some people think windows is easier.
If I were to get linux on my PC, would adb work within the linux evironment...meaning can I adb from linux and compile/decompile etc from there?
Phoneguy589 said:
If I were to get linux on my PC, would adb work within the linux evironment...meaning can I adb from linux and compile/decompile etc from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well you would compile/decompile directly on the phone unless you were using the sdcard....it wouldnt be pretty
you adb pull /system/file modify it, then adb push /system/file
it works the same in windows as it does in linux from that aspect. i just find working in linux easier.
here, this should help get you started somewhere, its not exactly like this phone, and the guide should be used as a reference and not a manual.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=915435
if you are technical enough, just by looking at that thread, you will understand a good portion of whats going on.
Thanks for all the help. Im getting bored flashing other peoples work and would like to help tweak things. And develop some stuff.
Thanks bro.
hey everyone. ive been googleing and googleing for weeks and weeks trying to educate myself on how the android build process works and how a device tree works. what i have been able to figure out is the device configuration has been moved form /vendor to /device between eclair and froyo. although i am very lost and confused. i have gone through source.android.com several times, and i have also gone through the very outdated platform developers guide. right now i am trying to teach myself how to set up a build environment for a real device. im doing this purely out of learning experience so i can apply it to something useful in the future. i have several devices at my disposal (epic 4g, droid1, atrix 4g, acer iconia a500) any of which i would be willing to use for learning. does anyone have any recommendations on reading material im missing? any good place to ask stupid questions? there is lots of documentation out there but i just cant seem to find it. where should i go from here? i wish i could just take a class on this. because there is so much information out there i have no idea where to go from here.
I was actually going to make a post along the same lines as yours. From what I have found the pinned post in this forum from cyanogen about cooking is probably the most useful information to get started.
The issue I have is a forum just on this topic alone. It would be nice to have a forum that only discussed merging manufacturers released code into AOSP. By googling I have found the Atrix source code that Motorola has released and also the AOSP itself. By reading cyanogens post and mucking around with the source this should give you a good start.
Good luck and if you come across a forum with just this topic discussed post a link.
Also for setting up an environment this post is good for getting everything setup to compile what you need. It is a post to compile CM7 but it can be used for what you are looking for.
gh123man said:
hey everyone. ive been googleing and googleing for weeks and weeks trying to educate myself on how the android build process works and how a device tree works. what i have been able to figure out is the device configuration has been moved form /vendor to /device between eclair and froyo. although i am very lost and confused. i have gone through source.android.com several times, and i have also gone through the very outdated platform developers guide. right now i am trying to teach myself how to set up a build environment for a real device. im doing this purely out of learning experience so i can apply it to something useful in the future. i have several devices at my disposal (epic 4g, droid1, atrix 4g, acer iconia a500) any of which i would be willing to use for learning. does anyone have any recommendations on reading material im missing? any good place to ask stupid questions? there is lots of documentation out there but i just cant seem to find it. where should i go from here? i wish i could just take a class on this. because there is so much information out there i have no idea where to go from here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2nd hit googling android porting.
http://www.netmite.com/android/mydroid/development/pdk/docs/
Nothing is truly "update-to-date" there are somethings that your going to have to do your homework on. That is a very detailed guide on the basics of getting a port going and working towards the "device tree"
Unless the device tree is from a google nexus phone, then most likely the trees are not perfect. Cyanogenmod for example, the devs that work hard on creating those device trees don't just know what will and won't work. Each phone is different alot of trial and error. Do you build a binary from source, or do you use prop files already on the phone, that is all based on what is trying to be done and how much you know. Eventually you figure it out. It hard to just say what creates the device tree. Its just like someone asking for tips on how to write Java.
Bottom line, just do it and have fun.
lithid-cm said:
2nd hit googling android porting.
http://www.netmite.com/android/mydroid/development/pdk/docs/
Nothing is truly "update-to-date" there are somethings that your going to have to do your homework on. That is a very detailed guide on the basics of getting a port going and working towards the "device tree"
Unless the device tree is from a google nexus phone, then most likely the trees are not perfect. Cyanogenmod for example, the devs that work hard on creating those device trees don't just know what will and won't work. Each phone is different alot of trial and error. Do you build a binary from source, or do you use prop files already on the phone, that is all based on what is trying to be done and how much you know. Eventually you figure it out. It hard to just say what creates the device tree. Its just like someone asking for tips on how to write Java.
Bottom line, just do it and have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the response. maybe im just searching for the wrong things... that and its not sinking in to my thick skull lol.. ill keep reading. im just trying to learn how it all works. some of the things i read either dont make sense or are really vague. i am currently cramming java into my head for app development. i suppose thats a good place to start. my end goal is to contribute.
gh123man said:
hey everyone. ive been googleing and googleing for weeks and weeks trying to educate myself on how the android build process works and how a device tree works. what i have been able to figure out is the device configuration has been moved form /vendor to /device between eclair and froyo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying to figure out how to build/port ROMs too. It has been a nightmare trying to study that. Not enough material, or the material is incomplete. Most of the tutorials are meant to be done with nexus devices wich has a native suport from android. No such a help for someone who is seeking a way to build for a new, unusual device (like me).
I didn't get this "three" thing. And, In my case, it is a little bit weirder because I am trying to build for a MTK6577 processor. (Some may say I am screwed).
although i am very lost and confused. i have gone through source.android.com several times, and i have also gone through the very outdated platform developers guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many years ago I said: there will be a Time when people will know the "internet junkyard" or the "virtual online trash can".
I was reffering to outdated information. This information is available now and is not completely reliable because it is old and no one got rid of it.
It is something that is new (although the information is old, the event is pretty new) and we must learn how to deal with it. Unfortunally.
To de development point of view, I've been facing an incredible hard time just to find new information about building a custom rom from the source or porting an existent one.
I know i didn't help at all, but, I felt I must say that.
Anyway, knowing about anything, let me know.
Best regards!
gh123man said:
hey everyone. ive been googleing and googleing for weeks and weeks trying to educate myself on how the android build process works and how a device tree works. what i have been able to figure out is the device configuration has been moved form /vendor to /device between eclair and froyo. although i am very lost and confused. i have gone through source.android.com several times, and i have also gone through the very outdated platform developers guide. right now i am trying to teach myself how to set up a build environment for a real device. im doing this purely out of learning experience so i can apply it to something useful in the future. i have several devices at my disposal (epic 4g, droid1, atrix 4g, acer iconia a500) any of which i would be willing to use for learning. does anyone have any recommendations on reading material im missing? any good place to ask stupid questions? there is lots of documentation out there but i just cant seem to find it. where should i go from here? i wish i could just take a class on this. because there is so much information out there i have no idea where to go from here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the Small Guide Made to Begin from scratch for Android Device Tree Building
I haven't seen this anywhere as it's own thread so I apologize if it's been talked about in other threads.
I'm not an amazing programming guru by any means, but I'm definitely no slouch either. My problem is that I don't have time to start diving into code and reverse engineering, but once I get a basic understanding of "what's what" I do a pretty good job of learning by experimenting and doing small projects etc.
What I'm looking for is a basic break down of the workings of the android system. Things like wtf the osh partition is for and how different parts of code interact to create basic functions etc.
Also, I'm curious to know if you can use the Android SDK emulator to test custom ROMS. I know you can use it to test apps you create for stock ROMS, but wasn't sure if it'll just run any ROM.
First off, buy root explorer. You can poke around a ton and learn a lot.
Next maybe download a few roms/cwm flashables and unzip them. Just look around and open stuff up.
Go through the sdk/source it has a lot of useful stuff.
Yes you can use the sdk emulator to test roms out.
The best thing you can do to learn is dive into a project you are interested in. Make mistakes and poke around. There are a lot of people that can help. 90% of my learning android was just playing around with it and poking around. Google helps too.
This stuff is easier than it seems. You just have to peel the layers back.
Btw osh is webtop
tcf84 said:
I haven't seen this anywhere as it's own thread so I apologize if it's been talked about in other threads.
I'm not an amazing programming guru by any means, but I'm definitely no slouch either. My problem is that I don't have time to start diving into code and reverse engineering, but once I get a basic understanding of "what's what" I do a pretty good job of learning by experimenting and doing small projects etc.
What I'm looking for is a basic break down of the workings of the android system. Things like wtf the osh partition is for and how different parts of code interact to create basic functions etc.
Also, I'm curious to know if you can use the Android SDK emulator to test custom ROMS. I know you can use it to test apps you create for stock ROMS, but wasn't sure if it'll just run any ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
jokersax11 said:
First off, buy root explorer. You can poke around a ton and learn a lot.
Next maybe download a few roms/cwm flashables and unzip them. Just look around and open stuff up.
Go through the sdk/source it has a lot of useful stuff.
Yes you can use the sdk emulator to test roms out.
The best thing you can do to learn is dive into a project you are interested in. Make mistakes and poke around. There are a lot of people that can help. 90% of my learning android was just playing around with it and poking around. Google helps too.
This stuff is easier than it seems. You just have to peel the layers back.
Btw osh is webtop
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the feedback and I definitely will do that. It's the same way I taught myself php but with that I actually started out just making various php scripts. I've never had to open the source of a major program and start sorting through, but I'm sure I can do it though I'm guessing it will take some time to get things sorted out.
tcf84 said:
I appreciate the feedback and I definitely will do that. It's the same way I taught myself php but with that I actually started out just making various php scripts. I've never had to open the source of a major program and start sorting through, but I'm sure I can do it though I'm guessing it will take some time to get things sorted out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take a look at joker's compiling thread as well... and i'd add just read - there's a ton of information on xda and other sites on code changes, etc to 'tweak' the system.
i'm sure the guys on irc would answer any questions you may have as well, if they're not sleeping.
i had always meant to do some developing but the drop in activity i realized when i moved from the sensation to the rezound really compelled me to start plus i have some work that i really have to do and really dont want to do so you know how it goes. Anyway to it
i started by googling how to build android roms which lead me to xda university giving me a nice expaination as to the various parts of android which i was already familliar
another search lead me to the offical how to build android from source page. i had a few concerns so i thaught i would ask here
i have knowlage building various web applications(php,js,ect) and not the let the fromework so this for me kinda apps i like thinking and innovating. i have a little experience with c++(i was at the stage of learning a gui when my old laptop crashed) so i think i have atleast good enough programming experience to catch on to java at a nice pace. Am currently reading and following googles nice little guid on developing android. Am in the process of setting up work envo (already got ubuntu 12.04 up). and thaught i would just leave a post here to see if anyone had any advice for me?
what i wanna do is be able to port for us,build original roms AOSP they call it for us, build and or port sense roms for us and eventually get to the point where i can get us sense5 or help neo(or any other dev) help us get sense 5. oh and i think i would like to build/modify kernels as well. oh oh and being able to invent exploits to get root or s-off for devices i might get in the future.
Question: while i was reading i was seeing where the buiding process was doing alot of synceing with google servers ect. i dont actually want to submit whatever garbage i might write to them while am testing so im still on the right track following the guid here correcto??
short version: I wanna build android custom roms ect not just edit files and put it out am i on the right tract following the guid here (i already know a lil programming)? http://source.android.com/source/initializing.html
any advice/resources/links welcomed
oki am on the page that says "building and running" i dont see anything for our device am guessing thats because development from aosp has stopped for us and thats where ppl like neo and cyanogen make thier magic. what is the next tut or read for me?
Try this. You could always pull Neo's CM 10.2 repos instead of the 10.1.
http://signatures.mobile-overload.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sig-cm-5.png