Develop Bugs

Little nevous so I have to ask.

I am thinking about rooting using unrevoked 3. I am pretty sure that is strait forward. After that I should install titanium back up and do a nand back up? Then after that I should be able to delete the sense apk and htc lock apk screen and it should be stock vanilla 2.2 right. If I want to restore for a OTA can I just use the nand backup?
Then if I want to try flashing Roms what should I do? Is the Rom manager app all I need?

I usually try to ignore these threads but jesus man read a lill first
Sent from space

venom_762 said:
I am thinking about rooting using unrevoked 3. I am pretty sure that is strait forward. After that I should install titanium back up and do a nand back up? Then after that I should be able to delete the sense apk and htc lock apk screen and it should be stock vanilla 2.2 right. If I want to restore for a OTA can I just use the nand backup?
Then if I want to try flashing Roms what should I do? Is the Rom manager app all I need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK.
First, wrong section. This should be in Q&A whether anyone responds to it there or not.
Second, Titanium doesn't do NAND backups. That's a job for the recovery.
Third, deleting two apks will not make the ROM "vanilla". It will only mess things up and ruin your experience. If you want "vanilla", there are plenty of AOSP ROMs you can flash after you root.
Fourth, you don't do OTAs after you're rooted. It would unroot you, and you'd have to start all over, and there's no guarantee there would be root available for the new OTA. You should just stick to flashing rooted stock ROMs.
Fifth, I would personally advise against ROM Manager and tell you to learn to do it manually. It's not difficult at all, just a matter of learning a specific sequence of simple steps.
I think that about covers everything. I'm sure someone else will fill in the pieces I've missed.

venom_762 said:
I am thinking about rooting using unrevoked 3. I am pretty sure that is strait forward. After that I should install titanium back up and do a nand back up? Then after that I should be able to delete the sense apk and htc lock apk screen and it should be stock vanilla 2.2 right. If I want to restore for a OTA can I just use the nand backup?
Then if I want to try flashing Roms what should I do? Is the Rom manager app all I need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should probably do some more reading. Titanium back up only backs up apps. If you want a nand back up you do it through recovery. Deleting that stuff does not make it vanilla lol. If you want a vanilla build run a AOSP rom. I don't use Rom manager it crap I flash manually
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

Please post your source codes along with the ROM/APP/Development you are doing in this thread.
if not then you realize this is not in the right section. not to be rude but its pretty straight forward with the unrevoked..dont be a ***** and just do it. Otherwise just leave your phone alone.
THIS MIGHT HELP YOU
http://www.xda-developers.com/announcements/a-reminder-from-the-xda-moderator-team/

Google is your friend, learn to use it. Also not trying to scare you, but you could get stuck in bootloops so its better to read everything first then try flashing something.
Your post shows that you are completely clueless, so I really recommend that you read and research before you even attempt to do anything to your device.
Google the following:
1) how to root android
2) how to install custom roms
3) how to use Titanium backup
4) Difference between ASOP and Sense
5) Search in this forum "How to unroot your Evo in two easy steps" if you dont understand or cant follow the instructions there, you may want to reconsider rooting your device. Since if something goes wrong, you will need to unroot the device before taking it to Sprint, etc.
Also dont get offended by these comments because XDA isnt usually like this. But when its very clear that a member hasn't done any research, and expects to be spoonfed all the info, you will get flamed.
How did OP even start this thread in this section? He only has 5 posts... Did the rules change?

wow, my mistake. I'll just stick to Android central.

venom_762 said:
wow, my mistake. I'll just stick to Android central.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason you got the response you did is because you posted in the wrong section. Whike I know you are new to the forum out is always a good idea you read the stickies on any forum you visit.
Tons of new people make the same mistake.i wouldn't let it turn you of but use it as a learning experience.
Xda is an amazing forum (if you are willing to take the time to search post in correct places and do a little work yourself by researching.)
If you aren't willing to do those things then you will find it a cold unfriendly place.
Fort better or worse it is not always newbie friendly. On the plus most of the major developers are here so once you learn you have tons of resources.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

As others have stated previous, irritation arose due to posting in the wrong section (initially) and coming to the table without having first exhausted all resources outside making a new thread (see: Google, searching XDA, other forums, YouTube, even).
There are many guides to help you out there, many on these forums specifically. As one other said previously, as well, don't let this shown irritation from other users discourage you from using these forums. XDA is, by far, the best place regarding the rooting, flashing, development, and customization of our phones. You would be wise to stick around and learn the ropes a bit.
Next time, if you have a question, try posting what you did in the body, explaining what research you have done and what did or didn't work before you decided to post a new thread. This will help others see that you have indeed looked around some and tried some things out instead of rushing to post a new thread without seeing if your question(s) was/were already answered.
Overall, your experience can be very good and you can learn a lot from these forums. I'm still pretty new myself, but I visit these forums every single day and read up on things and just take it all in.
Have fun with everything! If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me and I'll do my best to help. But do some research before, if you do!

I would suggest reading and asking lots of questions and reading and asking lots of questions and reading and asking lots of questions before doing anything to your phone....
I think all of these responses would make me a little nervous as well...

EndlessDissent -
I have found Rom Manager to be quick and painless, why would you advise against using it?
fyi - I use it w/clockwork recovery instead of Amon-RA. And have downgraded it because of some kind of edify scripting problems. is this less than optimal?

Ok I think I have read all I can and watched all the youtube videos I can handle. It looks pretty strait forward and seems to be easier that the palm pre.
Now can anyone recommend a GB Rom? I would love a pure nexus s expirence. I plan to get it when it comes out.

I would recommend CM7, but some would say no cuz of weird instances that happened to a couple people. Evervolv, Salvage, king's ultra, and miui all have gingerbread though.

venom_762 said:
Ok I think I have read all I can and watched all the youtube videos I can handle. It looks pretty strait forward and seems to be easier that the palm pre.
Now can anyone recommend a GB Rom? I would love a pure nexus s expirence. I plan to get it when it comes out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second CM7. There are thousands of users, thus lots of potential help. It is a ROM that has been for awhile and they have really worked out quite a good percentage of the bugs that will inevitably come with any GB ROM.
Flash CM7 and get a good feel for it before you start hopping ROMs. Also do yourself a favor and make sure you use the search button liberally before you post questions/issues in the CM7 threads and provide some info on what you did to resolve your issues (you will have issues). If you do that the chances you'll get help rather than flames goes up 10,000%.
I would strongly recommend against MIUI. It is unquestionably the best ROM I have ever used, but it is really not a good ROM for an EVO rookie. The quirks in the flashing process are plentiful and the preciseness required by the nature of the ROM will suit you much better a month from now.
I'm sure there will be people who disagree with me, but I help people everyday who would not have needed help if they had learned a little more about the process on a more basic ROM with lot's of support and fewer bells and whistles. Just my two cents.
The options in teh roxxorz's post are good options as well.

teh roxxorz said:
... miui ... gingerbread...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here I edited teh roxxorz's post to weed out the erroneous stuff and highlight what's important.

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] NEED HELP, stock nexus apps menu not coming up in landscape mode

i was using it quite normally, just got it 2 weeks back and suddenly now i noticed the apps menu coming only in landscape mode, when i open a browser or an app, it can change its orientation but not the menu , also the clock in lockscreen is only in portrait mode suddenly. wat should i do , do i have to do facotry reset etc or wat may be causing it,
i checked and my auto rotate option in settings in checked plz help guys,,

You didn't provide any information to help you with.

063_XOBX said:
You didn't provide any information to help you with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok , its 4.2 stock android. it cant auto rotate my apps menu anymore as well as the clock in the lockscreen , however if i open an app or browser , i am able to rotate it , i wasnot doing anything fishy , just downloaded some apps from google play , normal apps, and never rooted or tried anything on it. it was working fine from last week when i got it.. please tell me about any other thing you may need to know
also tried checking/unchecking the autorotate option , rebooted several times.

I'm bone stock, and neither my app drawer, nor lock screen have ever had rotation, to my knowledge

Cmoore0965 said:
I've never known the app drawer (which I assume you're talking about) to have a landscape mode. In fairness, I never really cared or looked for it, so that could be my own oversight. The clock app, does, however rotate, so I guess you've got an issue. If you flashed, reflash with a clean install. If you're ota, then you're options branch out depending on if you're rooted, and/or your access to custom recovery. Anyone here is going to need more information, though, to help you. Might start with your current firmware, and method of installing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok actually its pure stock , nothing tweaked , iwas planning to but now after this problem ,i dont know

Lol I'm not used to such quick responders on threads, I apologize for my edits and timing. You're first response posted while I was typing. Like I amended my post to say, I've never known this phone to have that function on stock, and mine definitely don't since I've checked just now. We're they rotating before you updated to 4.2?

Cmoore0965 said:
Lol I'm not used to such quick responders on threads, I apologize for my edits and timing. You're first response posted while I was typing. Like I amended my post to say, I've never known this phone to have that function on stock, and mine definitely don't since I've checked just now. We're they rotating before you updated to 4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ok, i just figured it out , it was basically almost new for me, not much data on it , so i did a factory reset and now the lock screen clock working fine, i guess u rite about app drawer. could wait lol
could you please tell me th best method to root and unlock, as their are so many methods, and then wha are the next possibilities.

Best method to root is a mildly interesting debate around here lol depends on your comfort level with simple adb commands, and a little footwork to find the drivers to do it manually, or your comfort in little understanding of one stop shop toolkits. The toolkits are pretty reliable, and the only discouragement I've heard against them is the fact that you don't have to learn what going on to achieve your goal. The manual method isn't difficult either, you'll have to set up the proper drivers,and sdk on your computer, and use an extremely simple series of commands utilizing fast boot. Either path to root can be found in the stickies around here, and I've only given a very fast a loose overview of the processes lol but keep an open mind, follow the instructions to the letter, and they're both easily attainable
As for further possibilities passed unlock and root, there's always the hunt for your favorite rom, there's extremely useful scripts you can run to modify particular necessities for your experience or shortcomings you may find, there's even guides on compiling your own stuff if you're particularly taken by this wide world of amazing android user control lol you can do whatever you want, buddy. If you've got the time, the selfless dev, mod, and member community here has almost certainly posted how to get it done

Cmoore0965 said:
Best method to root is a mildly interesting debate around here lol depends on your comfort level with simple adb commands, and a little footwork to find the drivers to do it manually, or your comfort in little understanding of one stop shop toolkits. The toolkits are pretty reliable, and the only discouragement I've heard against them is the fact that you don't have to learn what going on to achieve your goal. The manual method isn't difficult either, you'll have to set up the proper drivers,and sdk on your computer, and use an extremely simple series of commands utilizing fast boot. Either path to root can be found in the stickies around here, and I've only given a very fast a loose overview of the processes lol but keep an open mind, follow the instructions to the letter, and they're both easily attainable
As for further possibilities passed unlock and root, there's always the hunt for your favorite rom, there's extremely useful scripts you can run to modify particular necessities for your experience or shortcomings you may find, there's even guides on compiling your own stuff if you're particularly taken by this wide world of amazing android user control lol you can do whatever you want, buddy. If you've got the time, the selfless dev, mod, and member community here has almost certainly posted how to get it done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanx dude, that was encouraging as well as enlightening, and yup i am going to start working on this already dont like some things like i cant customize the lockscreen ,, you were the ist one to ans my post . thanx for a great start..:good:

Sprint GS3 Rom Wiki [WIP]

Hey everyone.
Ive spent the majority of today trying to create a decent wiki that details the roms that we have availible to us to use, the custom roms, and then of course, the radios, PRL, Stock Images, RUU, and Recovery links to each thread in the forum.
I am lacking MUCH skills in Wiki and i kind of need some help. I havent any idea how to link to the other topics, but i wanted to organize something so we can t least have a somewhat defined place for everyone to be able to see each rom. Can someone give me a hand with this?
I will eventually figure it out by myself, i would just like some help with different sections.
Anyways, this is what ive been able to do thus far.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III/SPH-L710/Roms

Very nice wiki
Try to include original development too
Sent From My Rooted, S-OFF'd Blackberry Curve using the iOS XDA Application for Android.

Whiplashh said:
Very nice wiki
Try to include original development too
Sent From My Rooted, S-OFF'd Blackberry Curve using the iOS XDA Application for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once i can figure out how to grid off the table and then how to create a proper wiki, i will... as it is now... i have very little idea what im doing. I am working this all off of a excel spreadsheet and my spreadsheet looks great... however i cant find a way to convert it into proper wiki form...
but i plan on doing origional development, roms, radios, prl, kernels, kitchens, and stock roms as well...
I just need a little hand if anyone is willing to offer it..

So far i have sections for Stock Roms, Custom Roms, Origional Roms, Radios, Modems, Recoveries, and Kernels.
Am i missing anything before i start working to make this all go live? Also i hope i dont get flamed too much for not including everything, or everyone, its hard because i have to go into each thread and try to find everything to categorize, and many rom and kernel devs dont list it, and dont tag it properly in their post. Also i myself am confused a little on radios/modems, but its all easy changes..

Alright, I got everything Pretty Much doctored up. It Probably needs alot of editing because like I said I have NEVER wrote a wiki and im still a bit green on the diff between modem/firmware/kernel stuff. but i hope maybe the devs can update it themselves.

[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...
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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!