Develop Bugs

Porting Roms from *** To the Evo

I assume this is the correct forum otherwise please move this.
What is the best article(s) to read if you want to start learning how to port roms from other android phones to the Evo? I've been searching on here and on google and it seems most articles are either outdated or only talk about editing existing cooked roms so I finally broke down and posted this. Yes I do use Linux and I do program in Java and .NET and do have a bachelors in software development but I have just never looked into doing this type of work until now.
Thank you, any direction I'm pointed in is appreciated.

I'll direct to you the Q&A forum.

Side Note:This goes in General,but im nice so ill answer you question.
There is no real BOOK to read, a java book is a good start, but you say you know java, so you can probably skip that.
Basically, this is all you have to do.
Download "Dsixda's Kitchen" to your linux distro(amazing software)
Grab a rom from another device.
Grab one of our(evo)stock roms(deodexed Stock 3.70 is good for froyo port,4.12 for gingerbread)
Open the kitchen, and find the option(#19 i think it is), and follow the steps to port it(hold on, your not done yet)
From there you will need do some manual work by tinkering with libs,tinkering with the boot.img, bascally just tinkering with everything related to booting(libs,ramdisk,hw-libs,etc.) untill you can get it to boot or bootloop.
If it boots, thats great, if it bootloops, youlle need to logcat it then debug it.
If you need help with something, pm me, other than that, thats basically(*note: i said basic, more complexed roms like sense 3.0 and non-htc device rom may require extra work)(*note2:alot of times, its going to be a no-booter, but just keep trying.)

sirmx said:
I'll direct to you the Q&A forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sirmx, I did do a search there but again came up short.

ThatSmartB0y said:
Side Note:This goes in General,but im nice so ill answer you question.
There is no real BOOK to read, a java book is a good start, but you say you know java, so you can probably skip that.
Basically, this is all you have to do.
Download "Dsixda's Kitchen" to your linux distro(amazing software)
Grab a rom from another device.
Grab one of our(evo)stock roms(deodexed Stock 3.70 is good for froyo port,4.12 for gingerbread)
Open the kitchen, and find the option(#19 i think it is), and follow the steps to port it(hold on, your not done yet)
From there you will need do some manual work by tinkering with libs,tinkering with the boot.img, bascally just tinkering with everything related to booting(libs,ramdisk,hw-libs,etc.) untill you can get it to boot or bootloop.
If it boots, thats great, if it bootloops, youlle need to logcat it then debug it.
If you need help with something, pm me, other than that, thats basically(*note: i said basic, more complexed roms like sense 3.0 and non-htc device rom may require extra work)(*note2:alot of times, its going to be a no-booter, but just keep trying.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good, what I'll do is go ahead and start one, nothing special maybe even ones that already been done just to get the experience under my best.

ThatSmartB0y said:
Side Note:This goes in General,but im nice so ill answer you question.
There is no real BOOK to read, a java book is a good start, but you say you know java, so you can probably skip that.
Basically, this is all you have to do.
Download "Dsixda's Kitchen" to your linux distro(amazing software)
Grab a rom from another device.
Grab one of our(evo)stock roms(deodexed Stock 3.70 is good for froyo port,4.12 for gingerbread)
Open the kitchen, and find the option(#19 i think it is), and follow the steps to port it(hold on, your not done yet)
From there you will need do some manual work by tinkering with libs,tinkering with the boot.img, bascally just tinkering with everything related to booting(libs,ramdisk,hw-libs,etc.) untill you can get it to boot or bootloop.
If it boots, thats great, if it bootloops, youlle need to logcat it then debug it.
If you need help with something, pm me, other than that, thats basically(*note: i said basic, more complexed roms like sense 3.0 and non-htc device rom may require extra work)(*note2:alot of times, its going to be a no-booter, but just keep trying.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget some of the most important stuff is in the build.prop and update-script.
Word of advice, look at a sense 2.1 and check out the base that was used. You can also use beyond compare and basically skip Linux all together. Using kitchen to deodex the ruu is a good first step. Choose option 11 in the menu.
Personally, I would start off with a working port and changing apps and moving stuff around. Also get a good list at which libs are associated with what. But use stock bins, etc, xbin, hw libs, and ported apks, framework, and software associated libs. Stock boot.img and a good updater-script. Also know key
Things like the EVO density is 160, vold_stab is usb, amkd is rotation, gsl hw accel stuff like that.
But first things first, Google is ur friend and use the q&a section.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

Leoisright said:
Don't forget some of the most important stuff is in the build.prop and update-script.
Word of advice, look at a sense 2.1 and check out the base that was used. You can also use beyond compare and basically skip Linux all together. Using kitchen to deodex the ruu is a good first step. Choose option 11 in the menu.
Personally, I would start off with a working port and changing apps and moving stuff around. Also get a good list at which libs are associated with what. But use stock bins, etc, xbin, hw libs, and ported apks, framework, and software associated libs. Stock boot.img and a good updater-script. Also know key
Things like the EVO density is 160, vold_stab is usb, amkd is rotation, gsl hw accel stuff like that.
But first things first, Google is if friend and use the q&a section.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah yes, forgot about build.prop,and i think the kitchen takes care of updater script(unless the device has specific mount pointsor you want text or to clear cache and system). i was just getting the basics to boot, from ther he can debug the errors out of the log.

What about something A LOT simpler like adding the CRT animations to a ROM? any pointers? Any TUT you can point me to?

ThatSmartB0y said:
ah yes, forgot about build.prop,and i think the kitchen takes care of updater script(unless the device has specific mount pointsor you want text or to clear cache and system). i was just getting the basics to boot, from ther he can debug the errors out of the log.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I hear ya. Just throwing in my 2 cents. Found that having a clean updater-script is half the battle.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

I'm actually glad this thread is still here we don't get to learn much from the devs here. I mean its mostly do it yourself but a getting started guide isn't a bad thing. Mods are quick to move and people are quick to flame but I say leave it, where else is the knowledge pool? Can you really learn this stuff in Q and A seems like it would be mostly help my phone doesn't boot...
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Check out the APKTool, APKManager threads. Lots of great valuable information in there.
I sometimes wish XDA focused more on the "HOW TO" and less on the delivery aspect. The more folks developing, the further we will be along
Another great way to get started is to mentor with another established developer.

evomattnc said:
I'm actually glad this thread is still here we don't get to learn much from the devs here. I mean its mostly do it yourself but a getting started guide isn't a bad thing. Mods are quick to move and people are quick to flame but I say leave it, where else is the knowledge pool? Can you really learn this stuff in Q and A seems like it would be mostly help my phone doesn't boot...
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said. People love to flame anyways and XDA is famous among other Android forums for being so harsh. This thread helped me out big time, and it's especially nice to see Leoisright and myn in here giving up a few pointers, because I too was curious about porting. I never worked up the confidence to ask, just too worried about it being passed over or getting flamed because I'm young and curious.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Yah, Q&A never got me anywhere, i learned off of trial and error, still learning now.
EDIT:OP:IF you want you can ombine mine and leo's tuts together, to make this thread permanent.

Subscribed!!!!!!!!
Good stuff!
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

Yeah I want to thank the devs that have stopped by so far and gave tips, already using them . Hopefully most of them drop In at least once and leave one tid bit that would make this thread awesome!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Ha, you taking applications for an apprentice myn?
myn said:
Check out the APKTool, APKManager threads. Lots of great valuable information in there.
I sometimes wish XDA focused more on the "HOW TO" and less on the delivery aspect. The more folks developing, the further we will be along
Another great way to get started is to mentor with another established developer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Yes I was afraid to post this at first which isn't good, you shouldn't be afraid to ask questions but I get that sometimes the same questions have been answered 100 times prior so I understand the quick to judge portion of it. But I want to thank everyone who has contributed tips, advise and places to start. Thank you.

Leoisright said:
Don't forget some of the most important stuff is in the build.prop and update-script.
Word of advice, look at a sense 2.1 and check out the base that was used. You can also use beyond compare and basically skip Linux all together. Using kitchen to deodex the ruu is a good first step. Choose option 11 in the menu.
Personally, I would start off with a working port and changing apps and moving stuff around. Also get a good list at which libs are associated with what. But use stock bins, etc, xbin, hw libs, and ported apks, framework, and software associated libs. Stock boot.img and a good updater-script. Also know key
Things like the EVO density is 160, vold_stab is usb, amkd is rotation, gsl hw accel stuff like that.
But first things first, Google is ur friend and use the q&a section.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I've been looking at beyond compare, did you use this from everything and just edit all the non evo files to match existing evo ones from within windows?

[Q] Question for the Devs.....Epic 4G Touch GS2

I have learned over the last month a whole lot about modding, flashing, tweaking, etc.... What I am looking into now is a good place to start as far as contributing (dev type). There are a lot of forums here (obviously), that have some good tips and tricks, but I wanted to know from the source(es). Where is a good place for me to start, as far as tools, building environments, etc..?
So far I have hit up almost every android forum there is. I found a lot of tools from code.google.com, have sdk installed, have formatted my mac osx for HPS+ (case sensitive), installed developer tools for mac and macports, but I am stuck here. Any sort of guidance would be greatly appreciated.

noobtoob said:
I have learned over the last month a whole lot about modding, flashing, tweaking, etc.... What I am looking into now is a good place to start as far as contributing (dev type). There are a lot of forums here (obviously), that have some good tips and tricks, but I wanted to know from the source(es). Where is a good place for me to start, as far as tools, building environments, etc..?
So far I have hit up almost every android forum there is. I found a lot of tools from code.google.com, have sdk installed, have formatted my mac osx for HPS+ (case sensitive), installed developer tools for mac and macports, but I am stuck here. Any sort of guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one thing you have to be careful of is that people here can be tough on you if you dont search for something. this is where im going to start, i hope it helps you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442870

check out here and READ
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
check here and READ ......lots of info

development
Thanks for the links. I've been wanting to learn the android development process for some time.

stretchwookie said:
one thing you have to be careful of is that people here can be tough on you if you dont search for something. this is where im going to start, i hope it helps you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442870
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome link. Thank you for this. I built a kernel, messed up my phone, flashed back to sfock then blazer rom over it. Also my mac crashed, so lost all my data shortly after. Thank god for clock work mod.
Epix4G said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
check here and READ ......lots of info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As said above, another great link. Knives and Forks works fantastic. As soon as i get my mac back up and running, I can start all over again.
I would have thanked bith of you earlier, just havent had my computer for about a day....

noobtoob said:
Awesome link. Thank you for this. I built a kernel, messed up my phone, flashed back to sfock then blazer rom over it. Also my mac crashed, so lost all my data shortly after. Thank god for clock work mod.
As said above, another great link. Knives and Forks works fantastic. As soon as i get my mac back up and running, I can start all over again.
I would have thanked bith of you earlier, just havent had my computer for about a day....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awww dood im sorry, hope all goes well...

stretchwookie said:
awww dood im sorry, hope all goes well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got it back up. I have to re-install Windows and Ubuntu on it, but other than that, my OS X is back up and running. As you can see, I can type again without the "fat-finger" mis-types. Thanks for the wishes.

Another one that is really good.....
http://freeyourandroid.com/
Just so you know .... It's easier to Dev on Ubuntu or a version of it since everything dev related is made for Linux ....I use mint as I like it more than Ubuntu or kubuntu etc
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Epix4G said:
Another one that is really good.....
http://freeyourandroid.com/
Just so you know .... It's easier to Dev on Ubuntu or a version of it since everything dev related is made for Linux ....I use mint as I like it more than Ubuntu or kubuntu etc
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea no need to install seperate drivers for each phone

WOW. I didn't know how much of a pain in the @$$ it was to triple boot a macbook. It took me 2 days to get this thing running the way I wanted it. So now I have my all purpose machine...... I have found an open source training center located here: http://marakana.com, if anyone is interested. I will be reading, typing, etc... for a while, then testing, testing, testing.
I would like to thank all of you who pointed out some good tools and places to learn from. I will be checking back in, as I have become addicted to this forum, but as I said, nose will be buried figuring this out.
And also, to all you DEVS, thank you for all the effort, time, dedication, and sleepless nights coming out with ROMS-Kernels-Themes etc..... I for one can now truly understand what is put into these.

[HELP] Creating custom ROM

Hello everyone,
I've been on these forums for some time already, and have avidly watched the development of new ROMs and apps. But always only as a user.
I have now become interested in developing my own ROMs for the Xperia Play, and I would like to ask you some questions:
1) What programs and utilities exist for developing custom ROMs, and which one would you suggest for a beginner?
2) I myself have an r800i, but I would like my ROMs to work on the other models too, how difficult is that to do?
Thanks in advance,
Si1ver Shad0w

No idea how to do it myself but look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801690
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app

Its not that easy as creating your own bootlogo.
1. Make the name
2. The features mustnt be same, implent something different, something cool and useful, because if you make something that was already released like 2times, people doesnt care..
3. Use Android SDK
However you will need Ubuntu, but you need a knowledge how to do it. You cant just say from day one to day two "Hey i want to be famous! I make the best ROM!".. If you are stuck at this point and you arent modder or hacker, i woudnt recommend it doing.
Click "Thanks" if useful.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app

wuby said:
Its not that easy as creating your own bootlogo.
1. Make the name
2. The features mustnt be same, implent something different, something cool and useful, because if you make something that was already released like 2times, people doesnt care..
3. Use Android SDK
However you will need Ubuntu, but you need a knowledge how to do it. You cant just say from day one to day two "Hey i want to be famous! I make the best ROM!".. If you are stuck at this point and you arent modder or hacker, i woudnt recommend it doing.
Click "Thanks" if useful.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the moment I won't be releasing anything, just want to tinker by myself and if it works out then maybe share it with the community.
I'm currently wanting to just modify the stock 2.3.4 ROM, so I don't think I will be needing the Android SDK. But apparently Android Kitchen needs a Unix environment to work, so I'm now downloading the latest Ubuntu and gonna put that on a virtual machine. =)

Also, I was wondering, I have seen some custom ROMs that can be installed even with a locked bootloader, how exactly is that done?

[Q] ROM with Snote functionality

Ok... if all you have to say is.. "Why didn't you search this?" or "Not another post about this." or "The best ROM is the one that YOU like, so just try them all"... then just save your time and move along, really, I'm not a noob, I've tried ROMs, I want some personal recommendations that meet specific needs...
Having said that, I have searched around, I've read through a bunch of ROM threads and tried 2 different ones... I'm in a hurry and need a few solid recommendations from the peeps...
I need a good solid/stable ROM WITH S-Note (I use it a ton at work and I just can't live without it right now, which is also the reason I'm in a hurry and can't afford to have days on end with only a semi-functional phone while testing different ROMs)... Also, I've tried one of the Note 3 ROMs that had the newest S-Note version and tried all sorts of things but couldn't get my old notes to work on the new S-Note app.
I just need something relatively new, fast, stable and with S-Note. I like themeing and add-on options and cool stuff so the more of that stuff the better.....
So... any ROMs with those requirements that you've used and are just crazy about?... Something you've been stuck on as a DD for while it's so good?
Thanks for the recommendations guys.. (I've been out of the ROM flashing thing for almost a year and just need a good place to start back)
Cheers,
Blakjak

blakjak220 said:
Ok... if all you have to say is.. "Why didn't you search this?" or "Not another post about this." or "The best ROM is the one that YOU like, so just try them all"... then just save your time and move along, really, I'm not a noob, I've tried ROMs, I want some personal recommendations that meet specific needs...
Having said that, I have searched around, I've read through a bunch of ROM threads and tried 2 different ones... I'm in a hurry and need a few solid recommendations from the peeps...
I need a good solid/stable ROM WITH S-Note (I use it a ton at work and I just can't live without it right now, which is also the reason I'm in a hurry and can't afford to have days on end with only a semi-functional phone while testing different ROMs)... Also, I've tried one of the Note 3 ROMs that had the newest S-Note version and tried all sorts of things but couldn't get my old notes to work on the new S-Note app.
I just need something relatively new, fast, stable and with S-Note. I like themeing and add-on options and cool stuff so the more of that stuff the better.....
So... any ROMs with those requirements that you've used and are just crazy about?... Something you've been stuck on as a DD for while it's so good?
Thanks for the recommendations guys.. (I've been out of the ROM flashing thing for almost a year and just need a good place to start back)
Cheers,
Blakjak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you're be better off keeping it safe with a rooted stock ROM
AT&T UCUBMK6 i317 *Deodexed* Stock CWM Note 2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589891
Then load Xposed Frameworks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401
Then check out the modules
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2327541
And see how you want to tweak/mod yourself.
The way I got Snote3 to work with old Notes was accidental. I signed into my Samsung account where I had them synced. It popped up asking if I wanted to import them, and it worked.

Thanks for the ideas.... I'm running Jedix20 right now and it seems to be pretty good but I'm gonna give the Xposed framework a try.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app

blakjak220 said:
Thanks for the ideas.... I'm running Jedix20 right now and it seems to be pretty good but I'm gonna give the Xposed framework a try.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll like xposed...
The flexibility and shear amount of modification available is astounding...
Please report back if you would...and let us hear your success story ...
TY...g
Sent from my NOTE 2.750...
Courtesy of our amazing developers...

[Q] touchwiz homescreen rotation?

Is this possible with a build prop edit?
I know there are apps out there that will accomplish this but was wondering if there is a flashable zip or something we could modify in the build prop?

No. this mod is not done in the build prop. The tw launcher itself is what would need to be modded. If you look around you will find the thread by @kevinoliva113 that he posted these mods for KK TW roms. I suppose if you requested a modded Lollipop TW launcher he could probably add it to his thread. there may be other members who could also do this mod and post it. also you could maybe learn to do the mod yourself if you feel capable. If not then visit the thread i mentioned and ask for help there. Good luck.

I think you can accomplish this with app settings and xposed. You would have to be on kit kat. I've tried it and rotating the touch wiz launcher doesn't really work well. Some things bet cut out of the screen. Try it for yourself.

tx_dbs_tx said:
No. this mod is not done in the build prop. The tw launcher itself is what would need to be modded. If you look around you will find the thread by @kevinoliva113 that he posted these mods for KK TW roms. I suppose if you requested a modded Lollipop TW launcher he could probably add it to his thread. there may be other members who could also do this mod and post it. also you could maybe learn to do the mod yourself if you feel capable. If not then visit the thread i mentioned and ask for help there. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bit late to this thread but I would love to learn how to get inside my phone and build mods like this. Been waiting on xposed for lollipop for some time now and getting a bit impatient so I would like to take a crack at this stuff and learn a thing or too along the way. Perhaps eventually even be able to contribute to xda and share my findings with others. Where would be the best place to start please and thank you?

not.plugged.in said:
A bit late to this thread but I would love to learn how to get inside my phone and build mods like this. Been waiting on xposed for lollipop for some time now and getting a bit impatient so I would like to take a crack at this stuff and learn a thing or too along the way. Perhaps eventually even be able to contribute to xda and share my findings with others. Where would be the best place to start please and thank you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My advice would be to search here on XDA. You can find a lot of useful information in the XDA University where the link can be found on the XDA portal homepage.
First thing you will need to learn is how to setup your machine with the proper java and android sdk for your machine. Next you'll need to gather the necessary tools to decompile apk's & jar files. There are several different ones. You'll also need to do a LOT of reading and research on the topic of "Android Development". There are several aspects and they vary in difficulty. The most basic thing you'll want to start with is correctly decompiling and recompiling apk's and jar files and that is just the beginning. Rom building has many things you'll have to learn as well as the proper machine to do so. A Linux machine would be nice but not completely mandatory. Windows works fine but for rom kitchens Linux is ideal. I would not attempt to dive into this stuff unless you have a lot of spare time and the mental capacity to absorb a lot of knowledge as well as have the desire & passion to do this sort of thing. It's not something the average person can just dive into and learn everything in one weekend. It'll take months or years of reading, experimenting, and trial & error. Getting help from those with knowledge and experience is another thing you'll want to do. People generally don't mind helping others but this isn't always the case. Choose your friends wisely and seek help from those known for there willingness to help others. Don't waste your time with people who are rude, condescending or who think they are better than you. As with any new endeavor, you simply have to learn as you go and it just takes time... a lot of time. We all learn new things everyday. Knowledge is king and trumps everything else. Get all you can while you can and nobody can ever take that away from you. And it's almost always free of charge if you look in the right places. good luck!