[Q] Android Games, Decompiling APKs, Where to Learn - General Questions and Answers

Hi Guys,
I've completed a few college programming courses, so my knowledge isn't in-depth, but I'm willing to learn.
RIght now I'm motivated by learning how to modify android games. For example, I have seen mods floating around for online games, where enemies deal 1 damage to you, while you kill enemies in one hit. I find that fascinating, and am interested in the process behind achieving the creation of such mods.
I'm wondering, where do I begin learning to do something like that? Are the APK files being decompiled, modified, and recompiled? What are the steps to doing so? What programming languages do I need to learn to do the modifying part of something like this?
I would greatly appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.
Thanks!

MeitanteiJesus said:
I've completed a few college programming courses, so my knowledge isn't in-depth, but I'm willing to learn.
RIght now I'm motivated by learning how to modify android games. For example, I have seen mods floating around for online games, where enemies deal 1 damage to you, while you kill enemies in one hit. I find that fascinating, and am interested in the process behind achieving the creation of such mods.
I'm wondering, where do I begin learning to do something like that? Are the APK files being decompiled, modified, and recompiled? What are the steps to doing so? What programming languages do I need to learn to do the modifying part of something like this?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could someone in this forum: Android Game Hacks Forum

GokulNC said:
You could someone in this forum:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still haven't heard back from anyone on that forum =(
Could someone here point me in the right direction?

MeitanteiJesus said:
Still haven't heard back from anyone on that forum =(
Could someone here point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To learn how to modify apps you need to learn how they work. Look for how to make android apps. To modify apps they need to be decompiled first so the files inside can be read or view an app apk and extract files inside to make changes to then put them back into the apk. After you done that the app needs to be compiled again or zipaligned. You can do this using an android device with the Ninjamorph. To learn android programming AIDE is a good app you can make apps using your device. It has some tutorials on making apps or games in it. You can watch videos for it. To start i think you should learn java first.

Related

i want to become an ANDROID DEV!! help me please

hello everyone. my goal is to become an android rom/ app developer. right now im currently attending college for my bachelors in Computer Science. right now im still working on my AA so its going to be a while before i even get into the field. ive researched online about linux and learned the basic codes in terminal to move files, delete them etc. but of course i dont think these codes apply to android.
im not trying to learn all this by myself but i atleast want a basic idea of the type of things im going to be learning.
so far ive downloaded android sdk and eclipse on my ubuntu linux netbook.
do you guys know of any websites that can help me get started or at least point me in the right direction in getting started on my first android rom or app.
thanks
Start with building your first hello in eclipse.
The best place to start is right on the Android site. Watch all the videos and get ready to read lots.
They have tutorials and step by step instructions for your first hello app.
BTW they tell you to break it so you have to fix it.
My biggest obstacle is just doing it.
http://android.voxisland.com has a good set of down and dirty introduction videos to app development for Android. Also, developer.android.com. A lot of that knowledge is pretty essential when doing any other kind of Android devving.
pick up some basic java and you'll have a nice head start.
If your looking for examples you can find them here
[can't post links]
developer.android.com/guide/samples/index.html
I wouldn't pay for videos from some jackasses website - plenty of free java tutorials out there to get you started.
www.anddev.org is a good site
You will need to learn the basic codes in terminal to move files, delete them, etc.
These codes apply to Android.
thanks guys for the replys. im going to start looking for tutorials for java using eclipse.
the android.dev.com pages and anddev.org show me how to make apk files. what im trying to find out is how to make roms and mess with kernels and such. how would the java and apk's tie into that?
I've got the same doubt as ripmeck. I didn't know where to ask for help, so I came here.
And I looked into all the replies, thanks for the help guys.
Unlike ripmeck, its already been two years since I've finished my bachelors.
I'm pretty okay with C programming that includes pointers, structures, etc., (but only the basics of all concepts, cause i know how deep and confusing the root goes).
And I'm slightly familiar with Eclipse, as I have done simple (very simple) java programs in it. Programs that makes use of exception handlers, multithreading etc.,
But I'm not so strong in Java (cause it has got lot more features than C and I couldn't remember it all and make use of it, I've got used to the linear style of coding without making use of any classes ).
My question is:
Should I have to get myself very strong in java before started coding for android app or can I eventually learn the java language in parallel with android development?
There was a thread posted by Cyanogen on XDA called 'some advice' with lots of good info on what you need to get started. Sorry I don't have a link since I'm mobile right now. My suggestion is to find that thread and start there.
Here are some steps vaguely describing what you need. Each is a never ending process.
1. Understand Linux/Unix
2. Understand Android
3. Make something.
My advice is to learn everything you can. Read around XDA and tackle learning each bit individually.
Learn ADB, make some themes or mods using metamorph, learn how to sign files and build update.zip files. Most importantly, have fun.
-------------------------------------
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How to make an app?

I'm putting my theming project aside for now and get onto creating an app that I've always wanted to create that I do not see ANYWHERE in the market, forums, android websites, etc.
I've been reading and reading and reading different threads, instructions, etc. But no clue where to start. I've been reading on App Inventor but realized that it is very limited and I have my high doubts that App Inventor will not be able to achieve what I have in mind to make.
I've got the latest SDK and AVD Manager, JDK, Java, and have been using my emulator to test edited APKs. I'm pretty sure I'll be using my emulator to see how my app progress is coming along and see possible FCs and other issues and correct them as well as adding more to the app to make it even better.
But right now I'm stuck at where to begin here. Right when I was about to create this thread, I was making the name of the Title of this thread and was given threads relating to my title name and saw one thread that was sort of mentioning what I'm asking here.
I read the link provided in that thread ( http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/fundamentals.html ) and got some clues but just not enough to get me started here. I just need that push to get me going and eventually push it out to the market and make some money as a side project and learn from that and possibly make more useful apps. I cannot disclose my ideas here because then someone else (who has experience making apps) could take those ideas from me and go make it.
Is anyone willing to work with me here to get me started? I've helped countless people so it would be nice for a change for someone to help me out here.
There are so much Android development books on the market that I suggest to start with one of them. It's the best way to get some knowledge of the design principles used by the Android development framework.
Another method is to start with some examples found on the web. Just search for Android examples or something like that and you get tons of links
Another method is just to create something, get stuck and try to search for a solution (the most pragmatic method )
Yeah I know. That's why I'm constantly researching. I'm seeing some similarities between Java coding and building scripts in IRC (which I used to do, nothing big, just really small stuff). But my main problem is knowing what exactly are the main tools I need. I've had Eclipse for awhile but never used it. It has a lot of stuff in it and I get lost after a couple executions.
I'm just anxious to get started somewhere and get the momentum rolling for starters.
Could someone point me to a good book/ebook ? There are many out there but I'm sure that are some better than others...
If any french-speaker knows one in Voltaire's language, I'm in too. But English is fine...
DannyBiker said:
Could someone point me to a good book/ebook ? There are many out there but I'm sure that are some better than others...
If any french-speaker knows one in Voltaire's language, I'm in too. But English is fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, a good book (english) would be great. Can anyone recommend one?
You don't have to buy books but they do contain a lot more info in one book and would be better to have than trying to scour the internet and pull a bunch of infos together and try to put it together to understand step by step on how to get started and everything else.
Here's a link to a lot of android development books:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...pment&sprefix=android+application+development
Here's a link to some more info to getting started that is also useful:
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
You may also need to get a Java coding book to help you put codes together properly and understand what each coding does, and tweaking them to work better.
Here's the link to Java coding for Android stuff for beginners:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...x=java+for+dummies&rh=n:283155,k:android+java
I just bought 2 books for Android application development and looking around for a good Java coding for beginners.
mdonova33 said:
Yeah, a good book (english) would be great. Can anyone recommend one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
professional android 2 application development by Reto Meier: http://www.wrox.com/WileyCDA/WroxTi...ication-Development.productCd-0470565527.html
Or, the Busy Coder's guide to android development by Mark L Murphy: http://commonsware.com/Android/
Last one is more written in a "let's get dirty" style. Really like that
TheSwaggeR said:
...
I just bought 2 books for Android application development and looking around for a good Java coding for beginners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think any java book will do, as long as it covers the principles of object oriented design and the data structures used by Java. You don't need any info about GUI programming in Java because that's all covered by the Android application framework.
The best Java books are the ones written by James Gosling et al, the designers of Java. But that may also be over the top for Android application development. Just some basic Java will do to get you started. The algorithms needed for basic apps aren't that complex.
App Inventor is a great tool to develop your android app. It simplifies the development and the editor is very intuitive.
Check out my blog on App Inventor and AppToMarket and a Workshop
http://Amerkashi.Wordpress.com

[Q] How to make an Android app?

Hello people
I've wanted to make a Android app for a while now but I don't know where to start.
Can someone give me some pointers on where to start.
If it involves coding then be warmed I'm a complete novice at that.
No coding method: search Google for Android app inventor.
Coding and better method: Android apps use JAVA. Take some basic online courses, then learn the Android sdk. (functions that are specific to android)
Option b is better, and if you have a little patience it won't be too hard.
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alex ainsley said:
Hello people
I've wanted to make a Android app for a while now but I don't know where to start.
Can someone give me some pointers on where to start.
If it involves coding then be warmed I'm a complete novice at that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to get somewhere forget the app inventor and invest some time.
Start by using google on terms like "android tutorial" "android hello world".
Download eclipse and the android sdk (google has all the info and tutorial on how to do that).
The sdk has ALOT of very good example apps. From 3D drawing to system infos and interface layouts.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Google app inventor is doing my head in.
if anyone is reading this on a scale from 1 to 10 how hard/complicated is making a app using coding?
Depends entirely on what you want the app to do unfortunately. If you can give some basic ideas of what you want it to do it will be easier to say how hard it will be.
well all id like my first app to do is when it starts up to show a picture with text then link you to a web page.
Nothing hard
Thats not too difficult, you could patch work something out of existing tutorials/example.
But its always relative saying how difficult something is.
It depends on the person...
Well sorry that's not helping much. I'm still at a loss on what to do.
Basically all you need to do is copy and paste the code from some tutorial examples, or you could even use the app inventor as you need barely any code to do this, for example:
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/graphics/index.html
http://developer.android.com/guide/webapps/webview.html
Putting it all together and making it into an application shouldn't take you more than half an hour once you have gone through the starter tutorials to understand how and what it is you are using.
Ok I'll try that.
Click Here is the link for a LIVE remote workshop / presentation
-Cheers
omg
i really wanna learn, so i went to purchase course and
DescriptionsAmount
Diploma in Java Programming.Diploma in Java Programming.
$1,695.00Item price: $1,695.00
$1,695
are you serious??
Well if you are really determined to learn it, you can manage doing it on your own too, with the help of free online resources. Search for a tutorial series on youtube. Here's one I had found useful when I was learning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl-zzrqQoSE
You should also buy a good book on Java programming and read it. That would help a lot too.
read android developers guide
You can check android developers official site it has lot of tutorials and resources.
You can go to next university library and borrow any Android book. It will not include the latest version of OS, but it will have lot of fundamental information in one place, written by one person. Tutorails often show you how to solve single problem only.
Thank you
Also great video
You're Welcome! Yes it is a great video. That guy really does explain it nicely.
Is App Inventor still working?
Look also at cornboyz tutorial on youtube. Same guy, slightly different tuts

Android Development Traiing

Hi Guys,
I have been visiting this site for quite a while, mainly the development forum, but have not really contributed that much due to my lack of knowledge in Android Development.
I want to change this and am interested in taking a course to learn how to develop in the Android OS.
Is anybody aware of any courses I could take that are based solely online (ie, no classroom work needed)? Bearing in mind that I have no real programming knowledge to start with so will need an "A-Z" course. I am based in the UK so UK sites would be preferential.
I have done a Google search but to be honest there are so many different companies out there I was wondering if anyone had any first hand experiences?
Cheers
You can teach yourself, find some textbooks (I won't tell you where) online and start reading, download eclipse and netbeans, do some reading about object-oriented programming and being learning the basics of java, start trying to develop applications in eclipse (you will need to download all of the appropriate SDK's, Java, Android, etc), there are plenty of starter posts called "How to program Android" etc. located on the various android forums on the net- I would suggest just jumping in and reading as much as you can. I did, I'm not a full-fledged developer, but I am now capable of programming applications and understanding source code. I need to get acquainted with GitHub now so I can actually begin working on open-source projects, and I have a ton of learning to do myself, but that will take you a long way from being a noob.
luna_c666 said:
You can teach yourself, find some textbooks (I won't tell you where) online and start reading, download eclipse and netbeans, do some reading about object-oriented programming and being learning the basics of java, start trying to develop applications in eclipse (you will need to download all of the appropriate SDK's, Java, Android, etc), there are plenty of starter posts called "How to program Android" etc. located on the various android forums on the net- I would suggest just jumping in and reading as much as you can. I did, I'm not a full-fledged developer, but I am now capable of programming applications and understanding source code. I need to get acquainted with GitHub now so I can actually begin working on open-source projects, and I have a ton of learning to do myself, but that will take you a long way from being a noob.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. The problem with me taking it on myself is that...well...I wont do it! I have 9 or 10 Learn Linux books on my shelf and have read maybe three pages out of them.
This is why I was wondering if there was any online courses I could take, which would guide me through step by step from start to finish. I appreciate it may be more expensive this way but I feel it is the best way for me to learn
The toolset for creating Android apps while easy for a programmer to pick up, is probably not the best for first steps in programming IMHO but it can be done.
FWIW On the side of "Java" and "Android" sides, I would suggest picking up a copy of "Java in a nutshell". learning the concept of Model/View/Controller (MVC), and inhaling Google's website on Android development. Each will be useful at some point in your growth.
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Spidey01 said:
The toolset for creating Android apps while easy for a programmer to pick up, is probably not the best for first steps in programming IMHO but it can be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so what do you think the best start to programming is? I really feel it is something I would love to learn. I realize it will be a big challenge...but I think I am up for it
Go for it!!!
I would recommend getting to know a bit of Java first. The Java Tutorials found on the Oracle website are an excellent place to start. I've been learning to program for Android for the past month or so, it's hard going, but very rewarding.
bendonahue said:
Okay, so what do you think the best start to programming is? I really feel it is something I would love to learn. I realize it will be a big challenge...but I think I am up for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, for years I have debated between Assembly and shell script depending on the goal. Programming languages are only a slice if the craft.
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What are the requirements to become a modder?

I am beginner and want to learn that how I can become android modder. So, I can mod android OS and apks?
It's just like being an interior designer. There isn't any requirements.
Just get your business cards printed and go for it!
So.. you're here just to advertise that site of yours?
Lame...
CXZa said:
So.. you're here just to advertise that site of yours?
Lame...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope dude I actually want to learn. I mean to say that which language should I learn?
Java is as good as any. Once you learn one you can do others too...
CXZa said:
Java is as good as any. Once you learn one you can do others too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much
andromodguide said:
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Ok, now I see what type of modding you were talking about. XDA is not the place to request such knowledge, as it's basically the same as a warez request. The website you have in your signature, idk if you're part of this scam or not, but seriously, GTA 5 apk mod... this website is sooo sketchy. Please read the rules before posting.
Don't get me wrong, I'm disapproving the website, if you're not part of it, and just asked if you could learn how to mod an apk it's fine, it's just not at xda you should ask. But if you're part of this website advertising those fake apks that maybe used to hack someone's device, I think that's truly despicable.
I left my original answer down here:
Spoiler: ...
XDA is the place !
I personally don't know much java, and was unable to understand a word of english, so all of the tech documentation was a mystery for me. I just heard about one reverse engineering tool called apktool. So I set it up and started cracking open apks to understand how they really works from the inside by reading files and stuff. Then I came here (with a better knowledge of English and of what's an apk) and found many resources to learn. It depends on the kind of things you want to mod. If the UI is your priority, I'll advice you to start by understanding what's xml and how google uses it inside of every app. Eventually you'll have to learn java for more deeper tweaks, but to begin I think understanding how xml works is easier, and more practical since you'll have to modify that in order to change any UI element.
If you're after modding how the app works itself, then java is the first thing you should learn. (And don't learn any java, Android uses more the Java OOP).
I'll leave you some links for both ways of modding :
Modding UI (theming):
App resources overview | Android Developers
developer.android.com
I also did guide for theme using a simple method that doesn't require any prior knowledge of xml and stuff, and get you to play with the interface (like changing color and stuff):https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/guide-theming-how-to-theme-any-android-app.3777101/
Ticklefish is one good themer here on xda, he made some guides about theming that, even if they're old, can teach you a lot about xml : https://forum.xda-developers.com/general/xda-university/xml-101-xml-modding-easy-t2929816/
For the Java way:
I've seen many many java courses around the internet. Actually I can't tell you which one is the best or which one to avoid because I didn't learn java yet myself. Your on your own for that one, but good luck !

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