Can someone recommend me a Linux distro of their choice? I'm going to start learning how to compile, and develop kernels. I already can allot the time to doing so, and I want to do so.
I have some in mind, but I want to know what you men, and women recommend.
I am not entirely sure if should post this here, and if I shouldn't, please direct me to where it should be moved.
Ubuntu or Linux Mint
I prefer Linux Mint 11 Katya, since GNOME3 (default desktop environment of Mint) isn't configurable as GNOME2.x
You can't go wrong with Ubuntu or a flavour of it. Most sites and polls I've seen recommend it over other distributions.
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Hello there. Lately I've had the urge to run the awesome android os on my PC. I found a website, www.android-x86.net that has this ready for download on a live cd. I'm posting this here because I have a few questions about it.
First off, what are the chances of the Android OS becoming a desktop distro like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Mint?
Also, I see that some desktop distros are capatable with ARM, which my Eris has, so how would one go about porting those to a touchscreen phone? Is it possible?
I'd love to hear any insight or knowledge anyone would like to share. Thanks in advance.
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I was wondering if someone can recommend what they think that the best Linux desktop os would be for Android development. I was using Linux Mint but recently I switched to ubuntu. I have been recommended to use fedora or debian. I was just hoping to get opinions on which would be the better for a new dev to start using. Thanks in advance.
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What did you settle on and why? Cause I'm trying to decide atm too...
I know I'd be more likely to stick with debian/ubuntu based because it's just the type of package management I'm used to... Ubuntu has become my goto... or lubuntu/xubuntu if I need a lighter footprint, kubuntu if I'm looking for a more refined desktop that guests might be more comfortable with... You just can't beat the amount of packages that are "already ready already" in the ubuntu repos and the online community/following ubuntu has for quick help.
I am, however, a little more likely to try something different for the particular purpose of android development if recommended by a lot of experienced people.
I see more responses in older threads... but things change quickly in the OS world... especially with fast pased release cycles of some distributions. I hope some actual xda recognized developers give some feedback here.
I know a lot of people will say it depends on your needs and what you work best with and what works best for you and how you work and how I drink my sweet tea and blah blah blah... I want to know what you guys that are actually doing it are using and why so I can make an informed decision.. or else I'll just go with my goto (ubuntu)... but just in case I'll be clear about what would help too... That doesn't meant I don't care to hear opinions outside of the scope of my desire if you have good reasoning.
1. Package management. Easiest install/configuration of the specific tools needed to develop for android apps and package apk's, and android itself... kernels, build roms and similar non-app system component development or repackaging.
2. Of course an environment that feels intuitive and is conducive to the creative process involved is equally important.
3. This probably going to be a given in any distribution (I'll mention anyway...), but communication and resource access is important too.. so irc, web (xda-developers forum!), email...
I value the thoughts and opinions of this community. I've been getting great info off here for years. I'm just now starting to participate in the forum, but that's just because I've never been a forum person... I was just an irc and google geek... but when google takes you to great forums like this time and time again... I guess its time to grow and change. I'd like to be a future contributor too, it feels nice to give back...
I guess I'll stick with my combo of Windows 7 and Ubuntu. I will be changing desktop to classic gnome though. I'm not prepared for a radical change like unity... still just looks like a netbook launcher to me.. sadly the newer gnome releases seen to be heading in a radical direction as well.
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And what language should I try to familiarize myself with first? Where do I go from there?
I aspire to work on ROMs one day, and even develop apps.
To be honest, I've also got ****ty computers and are too slow to work with, does anyone recommend getting a new laptop?
I'm probably going to need to be using something along the Unix, so will it be advisable to get a Mac or just stick with Windows and install Ubuntu?
(Sorry for not knowing as much as everyone else.)
I would be grateful towards any replies!
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Hello @narsciso
Its great to see another individual taking an opportunity on learning more about Android development.
I would recommend you getting a new laptop or desktop as some developing programs are RAM hungry. Though they should still work.
Building ROMs from source - To be able to build ROMs from source you'll need to learn allot about Android, ive never attempted this so I can't help you here. But don't worry, there are plenty of guides here on xda that'll get you set up with a Linux distro and a workstation that will lead you to compile your first ROM from source. Just use the search function.
Modifying ROMs, ROMs can be modified using windows so you wouldn't need a Linux Distro to be able to achieve this. Again there are plenty of guides and useful resources that can get out started, just use the search function.
Building apps from source - Building apps isn't all that hard to be able to achieve this. You will need to set up a environment. You can do so by going to the android developer site and you can start by downloading their SDK Pack. This contains vital files that will get you started. Also includes Eclipse studio (Application Creator).
Another info on android app development is that its based on Java. So I suggest you learn Java coding as others won't be as helpful. But no need to stress over this, Java is straight forward and its easy to pick up.
Modifying apps, you can achieve this by using apk decompilers (this can be done on Linux and windows) you can decompile the app and make changes within the work folder.
You can use the source code of an app (contains functions and commands) to build an app on eclipse.
The apk itself just contains the layout and looks. The src contains vital info for the app to run right.
I would have provided links but I am using my device. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks a lot Krishneel! (I actually had a buddy of that name in HS, he still needs to give my CD back lol!)
You have broken everything down fantastically. I'll get down to reading as much as I can about Java, all the while saving up for a new laptop. I'm real excited now. You've given me a lot of motivation and insight and I'm very thankful to you for that.
So should I go with a Mac or stick with Windows when looking for a new computer?
Thanks again!
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narsciso said:
Thanks a lot Krishneel! (I actually had a buddy of that name in HS, he still needs to give my CD back lol!)
You have broken everything down fantastically. I'll get down to reading as much as I can about Java, all the while saving up for a new laptop. I'm real excited now. You've given me a lot of motivation and insight and I'm very thankful to you for that.
So should I go with a Mac or stick with Windows when looking for a new computer?
Thanks again!
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No worries mate, there's a fantastic place to get started in java coding its called "codeacademy".
Its all up to you on the operating system bit. Here's a bit of information.
If you're planning on building ROMs from source Mac will work as its based on Linux as I have been told.
If you're planning to work just on apps and further your work into ROM dev later on, you can use Windows.
If you want to build from source on Windows you can do so by using a virtual machine to run a Linux Distro.
Note: when compile ROMs you need a good PC and the compiling process requires lots of time. Which means you'll need patience but assuming that you're only going to work on app development for now. I suggest Windows.
But its up to you on what you feel is the best the looks, price, design or durability.
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krishneelg3 said:
No worries mate
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
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Thanks for the source! I guess I'll be investing in a new Windows computer soon!
Again, I can't thank you enough. You may have changed my life around Krishneelg3. Thank you!
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narsciso said:
Thanks for the source! I guess I'll be investing in a new Windows computer soon!
Again, I can't thank you enough. You may have changed my life around Krishneelg3. Thank you!
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No worries, good luck and all the best with your upcoming project.
If you find it hard to work with just learning Java, you can also refer to tutorials on YouTube. There are so many. And they're really helpful.
Cheers.
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
TheArc said:
No worries, good luck and all the best with your upcoming project.
If you find it hard to work with just learning Java, you can also refer to tutorials on YouTube. There are so many. And they're really helpful.
Cheers.
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
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So I got a macbook pro as a gift from my girlfriend, and I have took it upon myself to register and start at codeacademy.com
What do you recommend I should focus on for the first 6 months? Should I hop from language to language to mess around with ONE certain thing?
It or ally depends on you, important one would be Java and c
So I've been rooting and moding for quite a while and I enjoy doing it but I wanted too give back to the XDA community and help work on some of the kernals and some Roms and other android development. I've been programming for about a year and I already know how to make android apps (I'm actually in the process of finishing up my own android game) so I'm not new to programming. I just want someone to point me in the right direction to start my new journey in the android modding community. Any help will be greatly appreciated
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First of all this should have probably been posted to the general thread. Secondly there are plenty of places and ways to learn programming for android. You'll want to start with learning java. Go to udemy they have some good java classes I am taking one as well. You can use XDA university or the android developers website etc etc. Just search google there's a million free ways to learn this kind of thing.
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First learn to post in the right section.
Ya, the thread been moved. I don't post much so I didn't know. And I already java and ik it pretty well to. I just want to know if anyone has any super good tutorial or something like that I can look into to learn android development cause I thought the kernal is wrote in C and part of roms are wrote in other languages
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What sort of development are we talking about?
Beside app development, I see categories as below
- Decompiling stock apps, theming them or modifying code, then recompiling them
- Building Android from Source
- Building kernels from Source
- Building PARTS of Android from source as modifications
I think the first steps should be learning to build android from source. That gives you the basics. Then you can start to delve into the code and look to write functions in java and cpp to build in extra functions. It would also be good to get busy figuring out how to cherry pick other functions into the source from other repositories.
Here is a good starting point for that
https://source.android.com/source/building.html
Thanks, really appreciate it, I guess I got to first get Linux running on my machine before I download the aosp source code, any recommendations on which Linux distro I should install, I'm thinking Ubuntu
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shogun656 said:
Thanks, really appreciate it, I guess I got to first get Linux running on my machine before I download the aosp source code, any recommendations on which Linux distro I should install, I'm thinking Ubuntu
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Ubuntu is the staple. I got bored and went for Mint in the end, but that's because I use Linux as my daily driver and found it appealing. It's still Ubuntu (which is Debian) based though. If you're just building, Ubuntu makes sense as all guides are geared up for that.
rootSU said:
Here is a good starting point for that
https://source.android.com/source/building.html
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rootSU thanks for the link. It's been a while since I've read that. If I'm reading that correctly it means you can build AOSP with jdk7 now. Sweet. I quit building pure aosp because I've been running jdk7 for a while and it was the only source that wouldn't compile with it. Time to repo sync I guess.
theesotericone said:
rootSU thanks for the link. It's been a while since I've read that. If I'm reading that correctly it means you can build AOSP with jdk7 now. Sweet. I quit building pure aosp because I've been running jdk7 for a while and it was the only source that wouldn't compile with it. Time to repo sync I guess.
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Yep, 7 works fine
Thread title pretty much says it: I have the former skillset; I'm wondering how it will translate to the latter.
I'm about to dive into this, so suggestions of key differences or points that I may overlook would also be appreciated.
Kolhell said:
Thread title pretty much says it: I have the former skillset; I'm wondering how it will translate to the latter.
I'm about to dive into this, so suggestions of key differences or points that I may overlook would also be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are already tools for doing this, a Linux android build environment or a VM on windows running a Linux distro with a build environment would also do it. There's already plenty of information on the tools needed for building kernels for android phones.
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