[Q] general question about phone tools - General Questions and Answers

It seems that the tools for modding/rooting/etc. are usually written for Windows PCs 1st then later coded to run Macs... Any real reason for that? Just curious if it's easier or simply a preference of the developers. Macs run a unix based OS so you would think that coding the tools would be easier for it, right?
I love this forum BTW. There is so much info on here if you have the patience to search for it and the users always seem so willing to help answer questions, especially to the newer or novice (noob) folks!

Related

Bought a Nexus One; totally, completely baffled by tethering

I'm a professional programmer, and I'm baffled. It seems that there is a whole "smartphone scene" and it's intimidating. I'm a Java expert and am comfortable with the Android SDK in Eclipse. However I'm completely baffled by the prospect of getting tethering to work on my Nexus One.
One thing that baffles me, for example, is the concept of a "ROM". Is there a ROM on the N1? I thought that ROMs haven't been used for 10 years. I was under the impression that the N1 is basically a little PC running Linux, which means that it should only have a bare minimum of a BIOS and everything else would be on "disk", or flash.
Another thing that baffles me is the concept of "rooting" the N1. It's running Android, which is an open-source mobile operating system. And, as far as I know, I have the permission to change all bits of the phone. Heck, that's part of the appeal! To say that you have to "root" your N1 is like saying that you have to "root" your Ubuntu box - it just doesn't make sense.
Complicating matters is the release of Froyo. I simply don't know enough to judge whether the actions required to upgrade the N1 to Froyo are compatible with the actions required to install a tethering app.
And that's the thing: I'm not just interested in installing tethering. I want to understand what I'm doing and why. I'd like to understand the options choose intelligently between them. There are so many resources online which are trying so hard to be helpful, but which don't really answer these simple questions.
I really appreciate your help.
-Ablation
search the correct forum for your phones model here on xda. some roms provide tethering preinstalled
check this thread for more info
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=668090
while that targeted at g1, its the same concept. again search xda for the n1 section
Thanks for the link. However, I think I need a more conceptual introduction to the scene. The essential question is: what are the bits? On a PC you have:
1. BIOS
2. Disk
3. Peripheral firmware.
The disk is further broken down:
1. Bootloader
2. Operating system
3. Drivers
4. Applications
When you say ROM I assume you mean some combination of BIOS and Peripheral Firmware?

Question about getting started with dev tools

Hi,
I'm sorry for the noobish question here... but I'm seeing a lot of root procedures and general hacks for android require the use of the developer tools.
Is there any good tutorials on getting accustomed with these tools? Its been a long time since I used any development UI (the last was borland C++ to compile command line Dos apps).. I could use some sort of refresher on what you can do and how to use it..
I have a mediocre knowledge of linux command line, but I prefer to work from Windows when possible(not sure if this matters).
Anyone have any good links, or tutorials?

Helping porting Android over to new smartphone

Hi,
Im looking for someone who can help port Android onto a new smartphone. Rather that try and go through the pain ourselves I was wondering if anyone here in this community has any experience of this.
Ideally im going to need some one with low level programing skills in c/c++ and obviously Embedded Linux, helping to write the device code etc etc.
We simply havnt got the time to do this ourselves and so if anyone has experience of it then please get in touch.

Hello Gentlemen - Building a ROM? where to start..

Now I'm completely sure that this thread isn't quite the sort of thing that's intended for this Development forum but in this case I'd like you to make an exception as it's intention is for future development and I'm seeking the input from the current great bunch of developers that we have.
I wouldn't mind having an attempt at putting together my own ROM or at least hacking an existing close to stock ROM and making it my own, I have no plans to release my creation to the mass market (if I ever get that far) but, just want to go through the process in order to give me a better understanding of how it all hangs together so that I can put more into the community and assist more in this section and not just the general one with basic problems.
Any pointers that anyione can give will be gratefully appreciated.
I'm not seeking to build a thin Senseless ROM as there are are already some fine examples of these already (MIUI and CM etc), as I'm new to Android and have come here from Windows Mobile so I've already made HTC my choice mainly as I like Sense its functionality, integration, even though I do believe it could be slimmed downed by a decent degree and loose many unnecessary components and elements from the start. I'd also like to only build a WWE ROM as it would be intended for just my use.
As you may know already or can see from signature (or my many previous posts) my current favorite custom ROM is LBC so I'd like to have a go at creating my own version of something similar, I'll probably only end up using LBC still as my daily ROM as I've loved it since I first moved to it and have no intention of going elsewhere.
I have JDK and ADK installed on both my PC's, I've been a programmer although quite some years ago, but, still have a reasonable amount of IT knowledge and still work in a IT related job. So configuration, UNIX scripting etc isn't a problem although Java programming may well be!
Just looking for some basic pointers even if they are to websites or resource threads here in XDA for further reading. Many thanks for all the pointers offered and any time spent helping me, I'm also sure that anything you guys put together will then prove useful for others if they are in my position.
I've also very recently just done my back in and am suffering from awful sciatica, so can see myself spending some time off work, bizarrely sitting at the computer on certain chairs for medium lengths of times, is one of the few things that I can do without experiencing much pain, so I'm trying to keep my self busy, amused and avoid (further) insanity so this seemed like the best option!
Thanks in advance (again) I appreciate that the people in this forum are exceptionally busy, what with their own life's, their families, their jobs not to mention their relentless dedication to the cause that is Desire S ROM porting and development!
You need first to set up a Linux environment.
1. For personal use, and only for modding, I recommend you installing Cygwin if you are a Windows user.
2. Download Dsixda Kitchen and follow the steps from there.
3. Get a copy of your favourite ROM, or a base of your ROM in a .zip format.
4. Modify it, tweak it, zip it again and enjoy !
If you have any more questions, I am here to answer them.
badeaioan said:
You need first to set up a Linux environment.
1. For personal use, and only for modding, I recommend you installing Cygwin if you are a Windows user.
2. Download Dsixda Kitchen and follow the steps from there.
3. Get a copy of your favourite ROM, or a base of your ROM in a .zip format.
4. Modify it, tweak it, zip it again and enjoy !
If you have any more questions, I am here to answer them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Genuine Question: (Not one of those how fast is your PC ones?....But)
At home I have a very new i7 laptop running windows 7 - 64 and a just under ten year old dual Xeon based workstation still running XP both with 8Gb. which of the two would be the best base O/S machine for creating the linux environment on? I imagine that the new laptop will have much fast CPUs but the workstation has many more faster SCSI disks. Although both have NAS available storage.
It doesn't matter. It's your choice. For example I have only Win7 32-bit both on PC and Notebook. I also have native Ubuntu on Notebook as a dual boot, but I use it only on modifying apps.
I never used the kitchen to make own rom, but its the fast way
and you can run linux on a virtual machine if you want
superkid said:
I never used the kitchen to make own rom, but its the fast way
and you can run linux on a virtual machine if you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd seriously appreciate a LINK to a linux disto VM that I could download and get started with. As I'm currently starting with an empty page!?
What O/S or linux flavour/distro do the other chiefs use (a URL or link would be magic)?
LBC?
MaryLandCookie
proxuser?
superkid?
NeoLojik?
(dont feel bad if I missed you out - we've finally too many Cooks to remember!)
etc
As always any assistance much appreciated.
and regarding the Development INDEX thread -I've heard back from the MOD but am still awaiting him to action the change of owner for the thread. SO post any needed updates or ideas into the thread and I'll action them as soon as I can!
Ben, start with this, you won't need anything else for personal use: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
You will find out here how to set up Cygwin and everything else you need.
Virtual machine here
Linux distro
Use with dsixda's kitchen, you can't go wrong. Although I prefer dual boot.
lol i use debian, but i dont have a vm
superkid said:
lol i use debian, but i dont have a vm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use vm myself, but for those not wanting to make big system changes a vm is a good way to go. Never did like cygwin either, but its all about personal preferences I guess
Sent from my HTC Desire S
ben_pyett said:
Now I'm completely sure that this thread isn't quite the sort of thing that's intended for this Development forum but in this case I'd like you to make an exception as it's intention is for future development and I'm seeking the input from the current great bunch of developers that we have.
I wouldn't mind having an attempt at putting together my own ROM or at least hacking an existing close to stock ROM and making it my own, I have no plans to release my creation to the mass market (if I ever get that far) but, just want to go through the process in order to give me a better understanding of how it all hangs together so that I can put more into the community and assist more in this section and not just the general one with basic problems.
Any pointers that anyione can give will be gratefully appreciated.
I'm not seeking to build a thin Senseless ROM as there are are already some fine examples of these already (MIUI and CM etc), as I'm new to Android and have come here from Windows Mobile so I've already made HTC my choice mainly as I like Sense its functionality, integration, even though I do believe it could be slimmed downed by a decent degree and loose many unnecessary components and elements from the start. I'd also like to only build a WWE ROM as it would be intended for just my use.
As you may know already or can see from signature (or my many previous posts) my current favorite custom ROM is LBC so I'd like to have a go at creating my own version of something similar, I'll probably only end up using LBC still as my daily ROM as I've loved it since I first moved to it and have no intention of going elsewhere.
I have JDK and ADK installed on both my PC's, I've been a programmer although quite some years ago, but, still have a reasonable amount of IT knowledge and still work in a IT related job. So configuration, UNIX scripting etc isn't a problem although Java programming may well be!
Just looking for some basic pointers even if they are to websites or resource threads here in XDA for further reading. Many thanks for all the pointers offered and any time spent helping me, I'm also sure that anything you guys put together will then prove useful for others if they are in my position.
I've also very recently just done my back in and am suffering from awful sciatica, so can see myself spending some time off work, bizarrely sitting at the computer on certain chairs for medium lengths of times, is one of the few things that I can do without experiencing much pain, so I'm trying to keep my self busy, amused and avoid (further) insanity so this seemed like the best option!
Thanks in advance (again) I appreciate that the people in this forum are exceptionally busy, what with their own life's, their families, their jobs not to mention their relentless dedication to the cause that is Desire S ROM porting and development!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well in my opinion you are alone here because i dont know what the level here it is that anyone helps someone who dares to port a rom. Like i think i am from a specific country or dont know what only few are here who helps me in porting a rom otherwise all have a very good excuse that he is not ready to help anyone. I would like to mention the names who help me in porting the rom and they are mike1986 and one of his team members otherwise majority are here in a race to become number 1 in a specific forum etc. So brother try to see the above mentioned tutorial of how to port a sense rom and try yourself otherwise i had a bitter experience.
This is an excellent place to start, some excellent support from dsixda, dastin1015 among others.
Basically with their help I built my first AOSP ROM for the DS and further.
Well worth a look.
Peace
Just one thing, AOSP means compiled from cm or Google source. Actually it's not possible to compile from Google sources only from CM.
trismegistos said:
Just one thing, AOSP means compiled from cm or Google source. Actually it's not possible to compile from Google sources only from CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Open Source Project to me is google, without sense or any other "knobs". You can compile a pure rom from these sources, I produced one with help from members on other forums.
Getting it to work fully is another matter, lol.
It's definitely an easier route - but none less valid - to take a stock rom & tweak it with dsixda's excellent kitchen.
Sent from my HTC Desire S
Is there an easy way to change things like default wallpaper, desktop icons, widgets layout and so?
I've been reading and using kitchens but can't find the answer
fosco_ said:
Is there an easy way to change things like default wallpaper, desktop icons, widgets layout and so?
I've been reading and using kitchens but can't find the answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try uot kitchen
http://uot.dakra.lt/
its quite easy to use
you can read this guide to get started

[Q] development of android apps 100% on android tablet

Hello! I am new to this forum so i could have posted this into wrong section.
I want to start learning how to develop apps for android, but the thing is, i am not able to do it on PC.
Could someone tell me what android applications i need to get, to fully develop an application, which is made in the same quality as it would be made on PC. ( everything, not just programming). At the moment i got only AIDE ( Android IDE ), but i dont think that AIDE is enough to fully develop an application. If its not possible to do 100% of work on android tablet, please tell me. Thank you for your answers!
bump
Personal advice
Hi, I do have first hand experiene with Android IDE and it's OK if your not able to use your development PC and your really inspired to write some code but you most def will need an external keyboard/mouse if your going to write something bigger than a 'hello world' program. Don't get me wrong, AIDE will get the job done but it will take you much longer, i.e. a single small screen with limited ram/processor does not help.
I don't know your situation for not being able to do it on a PC but if you are serious about becomming a developer then an investment in a desktop/laptop should be at the top of your list, but if you want to test the waters first and all you have access to is a tablet with AIDE then I say go for it, I just hope that the limited enviroment does not discourage you, programming is fun and rewarding if you have the right tools.
Do you have any experience programming?
If not I would recommend you follow the Newboston series of videos for beginning programming with Java first before jumping into Android development, I say development because writing apps for Android consists mostly with writting Java that uses the provided Android API's.
Newboston beginning programming with Java video series (He uses Eclipse here but you can ignore that and just type the same code)
http://thenewboston.org/list.php?cat=31
Newboston application Android development (If you try to complete this without any Java knowledge you will cripple you chances of success)
http://thenewboston.org/list.php?cat=6
Excellent resources provided here at XDA for Android development
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/want-to-learn-how-to-program-for-android-start-here/
p.s. You would be suprised at how cheap you can find a used PC on craigslist, you don't need a gaming monster but get something that is multi-core with at least 4gigs of RAM.

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