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Hey, new to the forums, recently purchased a GSM Hero.
I have done some development for free software (think freedom, not price) projects, and have become accustomed to git repositories and structured development.
Upon entering the world of custom Android ROMs (at least Hero ROMs) I have been sorely disappointed with the development practices going on, releases on file sharing sites and the like.
On top of this, none of the ROMs available suit my needs.
This is all fine, as I'm not developing those ROMs.
I have decided that I need to start working on my own custom ROM, however guides and documentation regarding this process are in short supply.
It would be much appreciated if someone could link me to some guides to starting my own custom ROM.
I intend it to be a light vanilla ROM, with none of the bloat that seems to perpetuate other ROMs, I'm aware other such ROMs do exist, however none of them support all features, and even those that claim to do so, often require me to FC
naivemonarch said:
I'm aware other such ROMs do exist, however none of them support all features, and even those that claim to do so, often require me to FC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried this one ? >[2.1] aychteesees-vanilla-cupcake< NOT the [3.0.1]verison ..this is still @dev
http://android.modaco.com/content/h...96/3-0-1-aychteesees-vanilla-cupcake-rom-gsm/
Give it a try [2.1] ! and tell us how it went ...
Yeah I tried that one, it claims to have full functionality, however I frequently had to FC various applications.
I'm downloading 3.0.1 as we speak, however I'd still like some resources on making my own ROM.
I'm interested on this documentation too....thanks
naivemonarch said:
Yeah I tried that one, it claims to have full functionality, however I frequently had to FC various applications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's weird , I have used almost everything ( apps ) with that ROM [2.1] ... and never get FC's
Did you flashed from Zero .. I mean with all he possible wiping . inlcuding SD ext partition wipe
???
That is a MUST ..!
Before this gets too off-topic, I too would like to concur with what OP is saying. I'd love some info on where to begin with custom ROMs, and I think it would be great if we could create a community repo for code for a custom ROM.
This leads me to another question: all these custom ROMs that we see available for download -- are they free/open source? Like, do they have source code available? I certainly don't think they do, but if they don't, then aren't they violating the terms of the GPL by not providing source code?
FunkTrooper said:
Before this gets too off-topic, I too would like to concur with what OP is saying. I'd love some info on where to begin with custom ROMs, and I think it would be great if we could create a community repo for code for a custom ROM.
This leads me to another question: all these custom ROMs that we see available for download -- are they free/open source? Like, do they have source code available? I certainly don't think they do, but if they don't, then aren't they violating the terms of the GPL by not providing source code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's Paul's (modaco) online kitchen, but if you want to compile by yourself, there's a plethora of gits on github (cyanogen, lokx, kiall to mention just a few).
Good question. Yeah it would be nice if there was a 'Cooking Class' thread on this forum like in some of the other forums. There is a decent tutorial however at HTCpedia.com under the HTC Hero ROM Development section, it's in the stickies there. However, I still have questions and that forum is not visited as much as xda.
Link to cooking thread:
http://htcpedia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1404
FunkTrooper said:
Before this gets too off-topic, I too would like to concur with what OP is saying. I'd love some info on where to begin with custom ROMs, and I think it would be great if we could create a community repo for code for a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a start, I would read that thread I just linked above. Once you can dump the contents inside the system.img and then combine it with the boot.img to build an update.zip, then you are already halfway there - that's actually fairly easy. But knowing how to add custom kernels to the update.zip, making the custom ROM rooted, etc. are all stuff that I'm still working on. There's supposed to be a lot of info in the Dream/Magic forums, so I'll keep reading.
Android is still fairly new and very few people know how to use Linux, thus there's less support and less interest in wanting to cook for one's own Android device.
BTW, that thread I linked above is also found here.. Doh!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=551711
Thanks for the link, a good read.
Anyone know what the process is for using a custom kernel? There are a few things I'l like to enable that aren't in the HTC kernel (like FUSE).
naivemonarch said:
Thanks for the link, a good read.
Anyone know what the process is for using a custom kernel? There are a few things I'l like to enable that aren't in the HTC kernel (like FUSE).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I eventually manage to find out I will post it here. My most important concern is making a rooted ROM from those shipped ROMs, as some people have been doing here.
Hi guys!
I'm wondering what I'd have to do if I wanted to modify the built in apps inside Android..
I've got a HTC Hero running FroydVillain 1.5.0. Let's say... I want to modify the messaging app that's included, MMS.apk. I wouldn't know how to go about this, and I have a few questions...
Firstly, what sources exactly are used for building the built in apps for a given ROM? The source code link in the FroydVillain post, for example, is just for the kernel. The rest of the OS isn't there.
Secondly, I hear that in order to modify a built in app, you need to build the entire OS. If I just download all the code from Google official repo, and compile that, will it just... work on my phone, provided I use a kernel that is specific to my phone?
Lastly, are there any tips anyone has for someone who just wants to modify a couple of the built in apps? Is it possible to build them as standalone apps? Or import them into Eclipse?
I've had a search around the forum and the internets in general, and people have asked similear questions, but I've yet to find a good answer. This thread comes to mind: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=635197
If anyone could help me, or point me in the direction of any help, that'd be awesome! Thanks!!
FunkTrooper said:
Hi guys!
I'm wondering what I'd have to do if I wanted to modify the built in apps inside Android..
I've got a HTC Hero running FroydVillain 1.5.0. Let's say... I want to modify the messaging app that's included, MMS.apk. I wouldn't know how to go about this, and I have a few questions...
Firstly, what sources exactly are used for building the built in apps for a given ROM? The source code link in the FroydVillain post, for example, is just for the kernel. The rest of the OS isn't there.
Secondly, I hear that in order to modify a built in app, you need to build the entire OS. If I just download all the code from Google official repo, and compile that, will it just... work on my phone, provided I use a kernel that is specific to my phone?
Lastly, are there any tips anyone has for someone who just wants to modify a couple of the built in apps? Is it possible to build them as standalone apps? Or import them into Eclipse?
I've had a search around the forum and the internets in general, and people have asked similear questions, but I've yet to find a good answer. This thread comes to mind: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=635197
If anyone could help me, or point me in the direction of any help, that'd be awesome! Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The whole sources for everything are there
http://github.com/ninpo
2) You can import the sources to eclipse, but I think you will need to build the entire tree, as opposed to just what you change
3) Apktool lets you do smali and resource edits on an APK. Without knowing what you aim to do, it's hard to guide you specifically.
Most apps are based on the sources provided by google. I assume you are talking about Froyo Hero ROMs (i.e. FroydVillain), which apps are generally built from the source of CyanogenMod. Specifically for FroydVillain, if you look around ninpo github you will see some packages with some changes to their code, although it does seem that many of the changes in recent releases are not there. I have actually PMed ninpo about this and hopefully this is only a technicality.... I assume that the other packages and apps (most of them) he just compiled off the CM sources without changes.
In any case, if you compile an app either from the CM source or from google's original sources, it should work just to copy the apk file - just make sure you use an appropriate ROM (i.e. Froyo ROM if you built it from Froyo sources). The reason to want the CM sources, is that if they have incorporated further fixes (over the google sources) you may want them.
Finally, some more practical advice: I would start with the google sources: http://source.android.com/source/index.html since I have found these instructions and explanations easier to begin with - it should be quite straight forward to build these sources on a linux machine (or VM).
Then you can also try to tackle the cyanogen source: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Building_from_source currently missing instructions on how to build for hero. But if you only want to copy apks out of it, you can just build a generic build (like in the google souce).
If you have specific problems, ask and I'll try to help you.
Good luck.
pulser_g2 said:
1) The whole sources for everything are there
http://github.com/ninpo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For example where are all the changes to the dalvik code? I do not follow closely enough the changes in Froyd to point out other things which might be missing (if at all), but there are relatively few committed changes to the CM code. Specifically the dalvik code, ninpo mentioned hundreds of changes which caught my interest and are definitively not there.
The kernel sources do seem to be up to date always - been following that one closely .
Thanks for the advice I love this forum!
What I'm trying to do, in case you're wondering, ultimately, is to modify the built-in messaging application to give the user the option of sending a message by the normal method, or by using their provider's free webtext service, something that all the carriers seem to offer here in Ireland.
So, for example, you'd press the Send button, and you'd be able to select one of those methods. (of course, you'd have to have a data connection for the webtext). There's also be an interface for entering your login credentials for your carrier's website.
I'm doing this party because it would be very useful. I also feel that it would give me a good introduction to how you'd go about modifying Android. I mean, from a programming point of view, it shouldn't be *too* hard to do. I already have a simple standalone app that I made which can send a text message via an Irish carrier's webtext service. But it's all good experience to try to modify other people big codebases.
I have a good bit of experience with web application development, but my experience with other programming is a little more limited. I usually use PHP, where there's none of this compiling nonsense. You just write scripts and off they go!
So I'm gonna go off and see if I can set up an environment where I can build.. the OS, I guess.
If I was to take the vanilla official Google sources, would they work on my phone? Or would I have to use an official Google developer phone... or the emulator? Or maybe if I stopped writing here and investigated those links you've provided, I'd know that by know.
Brb, investigating
Yeh investigating and just trying to do it is usually the best way
To clarify what I was trying to say above: All the java code is obvious very portable - one of the big advantages of java. In the case of android it is compiled to an .apk file and this file should be, at the very least, portable to all android "devices" running this android version. So the apk you build (for example from the vanilla 2.2 sources) should work on the emulator (good for initial debugging) and any 2.2 ROMs.
erasmux said:
For example where are all the changes to the dalvik code? I do not follow closely enough the changes in Froyd to point out other things which might be missing (if at all), but there are relatively few committed changes to the CM code. Specifically the dalvik code, ninpo mentioned hundreds of changes which caught my interest and are definitively not there.
The kernel sources do seem to be up to date always - been following that one closely .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently on "vacation" from any and all Android development for a week. I'll be back after the weekend, at which time my modifications will be cleaned up and committed to git. The kernel is always current with my latest kernel release due to GPL obligations. The extra time away has also highlighted some changes I need to make both to the kernel and to my Android modifications when I get back.
Hacre said:
I'm currently on "vacation" from any and all Android development for a week. I'll be back after the weekend, at which time my modifications will be cleaned up and committed to git. The kernel is always current with my latest kernel release due to GPL obligations. The extra time away has also highlighted some changes I need to make both to the kernel and to my Android modifications when I get back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Ninpo
____________________________________
2BOrange
____________________________________
Hi everybody,
I have made a free application to install any kernel on your SGS very easily.
The idea is that there is a website where kernel are uploaded with a script and an application to:
- search
- download
- install it on your phone.
The application and the website are not limited to install kernell but I think it is a good way to try it.It can execute any script in the android shell.
So I have made some script for some kernel, there are so much that I have not the time to make one for each of them.
To make a script is very easy, I have attached an example of one I have uploaded on the website. If you need to attach a file, put it in a zip and upload both (the script and the zip) through the upload form on the website,
The address of the website is:
http://www.2borange.com/
A general thread on XDA (not dedicated to kernel on SGS) about the application:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14875954#post14875954
You need to create an account to upload but it is not mandatory to just search, download and install a kernel.
Please keep me informed if everything work or not. I have only test it on my phone.
For the author of the kernels: I am sorry to have not yet informed you of the sharing of your great work, I will do it for sure when I will have done enough test to offer you an interesting way to share your work.
For the user: if you have time, don't hesitate to upload some scripts, it is free and easy to do...
Thank you for everything,
Michael
LIST OF KERNEL AVAILABLE AS OF JUNE, 27:
- Galaxian
- Infusion Kernel Faster Fusion Reaction
- Semaphore Kernel JVH - JVP
- SpeedMod Gingerbread
- TalonDEV
- TEGRAK lagfix- Voodoo kernel installer
- Voodoo kernel JVP
Don't hesitate to upload some new firmware. A model of script is provided below as attachment
niceee something to look foreward to
Neldar's SGS Kernel Flasher
is not locked to any web-site.
Sent from my GT-I9000
O-T said:
Neldar's SGS Kernel Flasher
is not locked to any web-site.
Sent from my GT-I9000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This allows you to actually find a kernel, download it and flash it as well. The Kernel Flasher is just for kernels already on your sd card.
O-T said:
Neldar's SGS Kernel Flasher
is not locked to any web-site.
Sent from my GT-I9000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your message.
I did not know about this application. I have read the description and I can tell you the purpose of mine is totally different.
I have understood that Nedar application is to install a Kernel that you have already downloaded and copy on your SDCARD.
The purpose of my application is to download automatically a script and a zip file, and execute the script.
So there are 2 main differences between these two applications:
- my application get files you need directly from the cloud (Internet), so it is like a deposit of files
- my application is not limited to kernel installation, it is just a usefull example to show people how it works, but it can do more, really lot more tasks.
However, because the application of Nedar is dedicated to one particular task, it has option I have not yet implemented in mine. By example, I have not yet construct a script to backup the kernel in an update.zip file, which could be very usefull.
So they are really very different. I hope I will be able to construct more script, but may be the biggest difference with any dedicated application is that anyone can participate to my project without any knowledge in Java programation.
You just have to know a little bit about shell to be able to share your work with others.
THAT IS THE REAL PURPOSE OF THIS APPLICATION : SHARING!
Amazing concept!
Thumbs up for the foresight for such a nice project. If enough effort is put I can see in next couple of months, the whole, ROM, Kernel, Modem flashing automated.
Right from finding the correct software till installing them and may be some debugging and fault finding as well!
Will definitely donate in case the project takes off the way it should!
Great work Snoopy!
Loving the concept of this!
As omzworld was saying, if this grew into a script that could automatically install your ROM/kernel/modem etc. that would be awesome, especially for people who are new to flashing.
Now, here's another suggestion that may or may not have been thought about already..
Is there any way to make the app look at your phone and use that as a basis for roms, kernels etc. ? If that was possible, anyone and everyone would be using your app to flash because they would know that bricking their phones would be almost impossible.
omzworld said:
Amazing concept!
Thumbs up for the foresight for such a nice project. If enough effort is put I can see in next couple of months, the whole, ROM, Kernel, Modem flashing automated.
Right from finding the correct software till installing them and may be some debugging and fault finding as well!
Will definitely donate in case the project takes off the way it should!
Great work Snoopy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lttldvl said:
Loving the concept of this!
As omzworld was saying, if this grew into a script that could automatically install your ROM/kernel/modem etc. that would be awesome, especially for people who are new to flashing.
Now, here's another suggestion that may or may not have been thought about already..
Is there any way to make the app look at your phone and use that as a basis for roms, kernels etc. ? If that was possible, anyone and everyone would be using your app to flash because they would know that bricking their phones would be almost impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your interest.
The thing I need now is not money, donation,etc... but report of test and ideas of improvment.
By the way, I only have a samsung phone, and I am wondering if there are possibilities to install kernel in other phone only by using the shell, have you an idea ?
Second question: have you an idea how to proceed to install an entire ROM through the shell ? I suppose the phone has to be rebooted before installation begin and lauche in a recovery mode, but how to make it automatic like in ROM Manager?
Thank you for your help!
omzworld said:
Amazing concept!
Thumbs up for the foresight for such a nice project. If enough effort is put I can see in next couple of months, the whole, ROM, Kernel, Modem flashing automated.
Right from finding the correct software till installing them and may be some debugging and fault finding as well!
Will definitely donate in case the project takes off the way it should!
Great work Snoopy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the way it should take for you?
I need ideas
lttldvl said:
Loving the concept of this!
As omzworld was saying, if this grew into a script that could automatically install your ROM/kernel/modem etc. that would be awesome, especially for people who are new to flashing.
Now, here's another suggestion that may or may not have been thought about already..
Is there any way to make the app look at your phone and use that as a basis for roms, kernels etc. ? If that was possible, anyone and everyone would be using your app to flash because they would know that bricking their phones would be almost impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have already included a kind of filter based on brand, model of phone and firmware version plus sdk version, do you think it could be more precise?
Fixed script on server, should work on every phone now
Hey snoopy33, why do you have not yet updated this page?
Ok, so after having a million questions I thought I'd write up a quick little 'how to' with regards to porting.
And now the warning
Read and learn first, doing this could cause serious issues with your tab or even brick it. The tab is really tough, and hard to brick if you do everthing right but it could still happen. I'm not responsible if it does.
Where to start
Get good at reading, google searching and searching XDA. Lots of porting discussion regarding other phones can apply to the tab.
Learn to use Heimdell
Have a linux distro available, either by virtual box, or natively.
Technomancer where it all began
I've said it before and I'll say it again, without techs work miui wouldn't have been possible.
Reference technomancers thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=931857 on how to download the cm7 + sgt source, you're also going to want to follow the kernel making part, cause most likely you'll need to make adjustments to the init.rc which is inside the initramfs and requires building the kernel again.
porting x build
Get X build onto your computer and extract the update.zip for it.
Copy the boot.img into your linux environment and extract it using splitbootimg.pl script (note: Google it, plus this doesn't work with samsung builds). Compare the init.rc to your init.rc (from the sgt cm7 kernel source root folder). Specifically the most important part here is the PATH, LD_LIBRARY_PATH statement and BOOTCLASSPATH lines.
Build your kernel with the updated init.rc and flash with heimdell, it should still boot your cm7/miui build (if you were running it before) albeit with errors.
The system
Now following the awesome list of proprietary files (either from your source folder or technomancers github link) check the galaxytab-common-vendor-blobs.mk for the GT-P1000. It lists every file you need that's propreitary to the tab and where to put it.
Also you'll probably need the debuggerd from /system/bin on the cm7 build.
Compare the /system/build.prop of the cm7 build to your port, make sure the ril info is the same as well as the ro; model, brand, device, board, and platform lines.
Create an update.zip (or whatever you want to call it.zip) and try it.
It's not booting
Logcat is great, but I really suggest using the ddms from the android sdk tools. It's color coded, and gives a much nicer view of what's happening.
Using winmerge in windows or a linux file compare program start checking what other bin files may be missing that you require. Special notice to the xbin folder.
It works! I want to post it!
Ok, first up, make sure you have permission if this is someone elses custom build you've ported. Most people/groups are really good about it assuming you ask first and give them credit in your post.
Also credit everyone who helped, answered a question or sent you in the right direction. (it's just polite)
Second your going to want to make sure your update.zip flashes the kernel, read the update_script from the cm7 build to understand how it works.
So that's it for a start. roll up your sleves, gather your courage and get to it!
Please if you have other tips, add them to the thread, what's better 1 or 2 'developers/porters' or 100?
Thanks. This is very useful for me.
Thanks,
Following this method, with slight alterations to adjust, I was able to port an i9000 phone build to the tab in about 10 minutes, it's really not terribly that difficult once you have the right steps.
The first couple times are usually frustrating but after that you get the hang of it
Hi mssmison Thank you for your guide,it will be very useful in the future! I have only one request,how can I contact you? I have a proposal for you about a dev team (regarding an old think tank)
Thanks for the guide...
Is there any ROM left to port by the way?
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Hello Guys,
I am a developer of windows apps and I also do some web development stuff. I have also for the last couple of weeks been playing around with the android SDK and building apps for my phone. I have wanted to get into kernel development for my device, but I have had trouble finding a good place to start. I know I can follow the google directions and build a kernel, but that may not be specific to my device.
I was first wondering is there a kernel (Perferably AOSP like Cyanogenmod) that i can compile just get used to the build process. I belive I have already found that, it being this kernel right here:
https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_kernel_samsung_smdk4412"]https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_kernel_samsung_smdk4412
(Sorry, Im under ten posts.)
But this is where the confusion starts for me. I see this as a base of a lot of kernels for the note 2, but I notice the kernel is for the Galaxy S3. So in short, is there a good way to start learning how to build and modify android kernels for my Note 2? If so, do you have any recommendations on what kernel to base of of, or any tips or tricks, or etc?
PS: I am a "Newbie" by the forum standards so i can't post in the dev section.
R3liant said:
Hello Guys,
I am a developer of windows apps and I also do some web development stuff. I have also for the last couple of weeks been playing around with the android SDK and building apps for my phone. I have wanted to get into kernel development for my device, but I have had trouble finding a good place to start. I know I can follow the google directions and build a kernel, but that may not be specific to my device.
I was first wondering is there a kernel (Perferably AOSP like Cyanogenmod) that i can compile just get used to the build process. I belive I have already found that, it being this kernel right here:
https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_kernel_samsung_smdk4412"]https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_kernel_samsung_smdk4412
(Sorry, Im under ten posts.)
But this is where the confusion starts for me. I see this as a base of a lot of kernels for the note 2, but I notice the kernel is for the Galaxy S3. So in short, is there a good way to start learning how to build and modify android kernels for my Note 2? If so, do you have any recommendations on what kernel to base of of, or any tips or tricks, or etc?
PS: I am a "Newbie" by the forum standards so i can't post in the dev section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to start here http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1896
Check the Matrix thread, devil kernel and Garwyn's experimental kernel thread. These might give you some ideas
davidh59 said:
You might want to start here http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1896
Check the Matrix thread, devil kernel and Garwyn's experimental kernel thread. These might give you some ideas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I have been testing around, but two problems have come up,
I have searched multiple threads and got as many dependencies as I could, but I still needed the toolchain. I got the android NDK, and used this guide:
http://xda-university.com/as-a-developer/getting-started-building-a-kernel-from-source
I used the arm-linux-androideabi- toolchain, is that ok? Even if it is, is there a better or recommended tool chain?
Another problem I had is when compiling the source I got a "error unknown pseudo-op .arch_extension" when it was compiling the devices section of the kernel.
Any thoughts and help would be appreciated.
Cheers,
R3liant