Sepero

(The NEW BootBuddy thread can be found here)

INTRODUCTION:
Boot Buddy will allow you to run Linux shell scripts when your Android device is booting up. It will run your scripts early in the boot process, before the home screen appears.

The intended audience is generally intermediate to advanced users, and those who want to play with shell scripting on their device.


FEATURES:
BootBuddy is similar to init.d scripts, but with a core difference that it stores boot scripts on your SDcard instead of the internal system. This allows for several interesting enhancements. Feature listing-

• Boot Buddy is designed from the start to run scripts right from your SDcard. Just download any scripts to your boot_buddy_scripts directory and they're ready to run. (No more screwing around with permissions and files in your /system/etc/init.d/*)
• SDcard storage allows you to copy a script to another device, or multiple devices easily.
• If you have a script that is malfunctioning, just boot your device with the sdcard out, and put the sdcard back in after your device reaches home screen. No Problem!
• Boot Buddy's author has several years of scripting and programming experience. It is streamlined, fast, and doesn't perform worthless functions like repeatedly logging the authors name and time (*hint to a t-init author*).
• Clear goals of making operation simple, intuitive, and clean.
• If you're currently using an "init.d" solution, BootBuddy can integrate seamlessly with it.
• If you try BootBuddy and you don't like it, the installer also works as an uninstaller for easy clean removal.
• BootBuddy is Open Source GNU GPL. Open for anyone to modify and improve upon.

As a developer, I make software to operate the way I would want if I were an end user, because I actually do use it, and I am an end user like you.


REQUIREMENTS:

• Android 4.0 and up
• Rooted device
• An sdcard
• Script Manager Free (or any other app that can run scripts as root)
• Boot Buddy Installer bb_install.sh

INSTALL:

1. Start Script Manager, and allow/grant root access.
2. Navigate to the bb_install.sh file.
3. Tap on the file to show the menu options.
4. At the top, highlight the "Su" icon.
5. On the top-left, tap "Run".

The script will run quickly and create a folder on your sdcard named "boot_buddy_scripts". In that folder, you put the scripts you want to run at system boot. A log file will be kept at /data/boot_buddy.log

If you need your scripts to run in order, they are ordered by filename using the busybox "sort" program. They will run in alphabetical order using this format 0-9A-Za-z.


YOUR FIRST SCRIPTS: (OPTIONAL)
Here are a couple example scripts you may use.

The Android /system is normally mounted with read-only permissions by default. We will change that with the first script listed below. It will cause /system to be remounted to read-write permissions during boot.

The second script will create a file at every boot named /mnt/sdcard/sys_mount_info.txt. That txt file will give us information about how /system is currently mounted.

1. Download the file 00rw_system.sh into your boot_buddy_scripts folder.
2. Download the file 99sys_mount_info.sh into your boot_buddy_scripts folder.
3. Reboot your phone.

That's it, you just installed 2 new scripts and had them run at boot. It's Really just that simple to add startup scripts to your system.

To verify they are running, use any text viewer to open the file /mnt/sdcard/sys_mount_info.txt. It may show more than one line of text. There should be a line similar to this:
/dev/block/(device specific text) /system (fstype) rw,(more text)

The rw means that /system was successfully remounted as read-write during boot.

At any time you can delete either script if you choose. Easy!


UNINSTALL:
If for any reason you find you don't want or don't like Boot Buddy, you can cleanly uninstall it using the installer bb_install.sh. These instructions are almost identical to installing. (All match the installation steps, except step 4)

1. Start Script Manager, and allow/grant root access.
2. Navigate to the bb_install.sh file.
3. Tap on the file to show the menu options.
4. Type --uninstall in the text area labeled Arguments.
5. At the top, highlight the "Su" icon.
6. On the top-left, tap "Run".

Boot Buddy will be uninstalled. It will not remove the contents of your boot_buddy_scripts folder. If you have an "init.d" system installed, it will cleanly remove only Boot Buddy parts and leave the rest.


ADVANCED NOTES:
Boot Buddy will Not cause harm to your system, but it may not work on custom roms. Also, it may fail to detect the real location of your SDcard. It requires that /system/etc/install-recovery.sh is run during the boot process, and that file will be created if it does not exist. Also the file /data/boot_buddy.sh will be created. The script /system/etc/install-recovery.sh will run /data/boot_buddy.sh. The script /data/boot_buddy.sh will run the scripts on your sdcard. The file /data/boot_buddy.log will log any script output.

Leave feedback on your results!!!

For Windows and Mac users- If you download the installer to your pc first, do not edit the installer with a text editor. Your computer will add hidden markers at the ends of each line that will prevent the installer from running. If you want to edit it, you should do so on a Linux pc or directly on your Android device.

BootBuddy source code: http://github.com/Sepero/bootbuddy


USER SCRIPTS MADE FOR BOOT BUDDY:
(Mention your script and get listed here)

• Script for LG Motion 4G to move the sdcard to the location /mnt/sdcard

• Script for keeping dual core CPU's at maximum speed (good for devices with a constant power source)

Last edited by Sepero; March 12th, 2013 at 07:49 PM.

2GigayteSD

So this is like init.d?

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Sepero

Yes. The main difference is that scripts go on your SDcard, instead of storing in the internal system of your device.

I invite everyone with a little scripting experience to look at the bb_install.sh code. It is very straight forward and should be relatively clear to read.

Last edited by Sepero; December 21st, 2012 at 03:40 AM.

THE W

I get this when I run the script
What am I doing wrong?

Attached Images

uploadfromtaptalk1356312839407.jpg (13.1 KB, 88 views)

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pl4life52

which script manager did you download?

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www.YourFreeATM.com

THE W

I got it to work. I used script manager free. When I tapped on the file in the root browser it gave me options on what to open the file as and I chose script and then it went to the menu where you select "su" and run.

I deleted the file and redownloaded it, followed the instructions again and it worked fine.

Sepero

First thing, do not worry about Boot Buddy harming your system. It is designed to be very safe. It's good you reported this. I'll work to help you resolve it in PM and we can post the solution here afterwards.

EDIT:
I see my post came late. Good to see that it worked out for you. Just an incomplete download.

Last edited by Sepero; December 23rd, 2012 at 08:14 PM.

2GigayteSD

*Cough* Bump *Cough*

OverByter

Would you tell me what the major differences are between your product and something like mounts2sd? I just downloaded that yesterday and have been looking into it. Thanks, OB

Sepero

Hey OverByter. I assume this link is what you're referring to. I actually never heard of mount2sd before you brought it to my attention. After looking it over, it looks like it performs some really neat things. Unfortunately, it can't really be compared to Boot Buddy.

The reason is because Boot Buddy doesn't move apps, cache, data, or anything by default. It simply runs scripts when your phone boots up. You might ask, "What scripts?". Well, immediately after installing, it will run No scripts at all. The scripts to go with Boot Buddy are an addon. It's like Boot Buddy enables a script plugin system.

It might help to think of the "Startup" folder on Windows, except Boot Buddy only runs shell scripts, not apps. (But it might be possible to have a script that starts an app)

If someone writes a script to be run at every boot, Boot Buddy is a very easy way to enable that to happen. The script only needs to be copied into the Boot Buddy sdcard folder, and that's it. Until the script is removed, it will run everytime the device is started.

I hope that explains it. Cheers

orangejuicebox

I'm trying to run the boot Buddy script to install it but when I run it... It says busy box was not found.. What do I do to solve this problem

Sepero

Thanks for letting me know your problem. I recently updated Boot Buddy and I introduced a small syntax error. It has been corrected. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Last edited by Sepero; December 30th, 2012 at 02:44 PM.

orangejuicebox

I also get the busy box not found problem

HarunATL

i got the same ....deleted.....downloaded.......deleted.....downl oaded....

Used script manager free and rom toolbox to run script....still nothing.....also downloaded file with several different browsers.....??????

Sepero

orangejuicebox sent me a PM saying that it's working for them now

HarunATL

this is what i get....

HarunATL

errrrrr this.....tryuing to attach a screen shot...well it says this....


exec /system/xbin/sh '/mnt/sdcard/external_sd/bb_install.sh'
xternal_sd/bb_install.sh' <
sh: applet not found


????/

Last edited by HarunATL; December 31st, 2012 at 10:19 AM. Reason: didnt add attachment

Sepero

@HarunATL
Did you install an alternative BusyBox from the play store?

HarunATL

Actually i did then thought better of it and un in stalled. Was that a bad idea?

HarunATL

Do i need to unroot/root now?

Sepero

HarunATL I received your PM. I'm glad you got it working.

After downloading the Opera browser, you were able to successfully download the script and run it on your phone.

Google Chrome and the Default Android browser do not appear to download files properly from the host (www.mediafire.com). The downloaded files are malformed.

Downloaded files best with Firefox or Opera browsers.

Last edited by Sepero; January 1st, 2013 at 08:48 PM.

HarunATL

I just wanted to thank you publicly for the help that you have,given me.So far so good as long as i dont run into the "insufficient memory "monster when i install my apps .Very cool.Thank you.

Astro Creep

So i have everything installed and both scripts seem to be running. My goal was to move apps from my sd to external sd, i moved Need For Speed to the boot_buddy folder in external sd, but its still in sd/android/data too, so now im taking up more space. what am i doing wrong?

Sepero

If you moved your NFS folder into the boot_buddy_scripts folder, then you made a mistake in following the directions. If you have a question related to moving your apps around when moving your sdcard, you want to post that here: [GUIDE] Mounting Your Real SDcard to /mnt/sdcard (v2 for LG Motion 4G)

Tokenpoke

Ok. Dl via opera to get past the < error and got this..

Error resolving interpreter:/system/xbin/sh does not exist
Using default shell
exec sh '/mnt/sdcard/Download/bb_install.sh'
/sdcard/Download/bb_install.sh' <
/mnt/sdcard/Download/bb_install.sh[7]: sed: not found
/mnt/sdcard/Download/bb_install.sh[23]: [: 0: unexpected operator/operand
You're not root


Yes, its rooted.

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Sepero

@Tokenpoke
The following lines leads me to think that you do not have busybox installed-
Error resolving interpreter:/system/xbin/sh does not exist
Using default shell
/mnt/sdcard/Download/bb_install.sh[7]: sed: not found

You should have busybox installed at the location
/system/xbin/busybox

Hopefully that resolves it for you. I will look over the OP and script and update them to indicate this information if necessary. Thanks

Tokenpoke

Was installed but reinstalled and it works now o.O

theisonews

Bump. For new visitors.

unicyclist

This worked perfectly, but then I updated busy box (using Stericson's updater), & now it won't work at all. I put busybox back in system/xbin, deleted & reinstalled Boot Buddy, now I get "unexpected <" error.

Edit: (I meant the linked guide to mount your Real SDcard worked perfectly.)

Last edited by unicyclist; February 17th, 2013 at 08:26 PM.

Sepero

@unicyclist
Are you saying that installing Boot Buddy gives you this error?
"unexpected <" error

orangejuicebox

You need to install busybox correctly... Theres many apps on the play store... Once you find the correct one it should work


Thats how I solved my error thing

Sepero

@orangejuicebox
Which one did you use?

unicyclist

I (stupidly) updated BusyBox. Boot Buddy no longer mounted my SD card "as God intended". It was reset to external_sd. So I tried uninstalling & reinstalling, and I got the "unexpected <" error. I reinstalled an older version of BusyBox to system/xbin and now I get "sh: applet not found"

Which installer did you use?

orangejuicebox

pfft Umm IDK I forgot there's two APpS busy box and busy box installer.... You have to let it install automatically and yes the versions do matter this would be easier if I wasn't buzzedter

unicyclist

Edit: Busybox Installer worked. I used version 1.14.3 and installed to system/xbin, not system/bin. Then redownloaded the bb_install script using Opera Mini.

Last edited by unicyclist; February 17th, 2013 at 08:22 PM.

theisonews

So for what u using.boot buddy?

orangejuicebox

Cool no more problems then

Malebolgia

Is there a thread for scrips we can use on our Motion?

Sepero

A new update has been released- BootBuddy version 1.3

Also, the source is now available on github
https://github.com/Sepero/bootbuddy
https://github.com/Sepero/bootbuddy/archive/master.zip

Updates include:

• Smarter recognition of busybox location (bin and xbin)
• Smarter recognition of shell location (bin and xbin)
• All scripts are now logged, and their output. Log file /data/boot_buddy.log
• Now supporting a wider range of limited shells by replacing a 'here document' with an echo for file creation of the boot_buddy.sh script.

Running the v1.3 installer will automatically update your current install of BootBuddy.

adanmex

can you make boot buddy a flashable zip. for easy installation?

Sepero

@adanmex
I'm glad you ask. I really like that idea, but unfortunately I do not plan to do that for two primary reasons.

• Having more than one way to install BootBuddy means a greater possibility for software bugs to occur. (and debugging scripts can be a real pain , especially running it on multiple types of devices in a pre-boot environment)
• If I have to choose one install method, I must currently choose installing it as a script, because CWM cannot be installed to all devices. Keeping the installer as a script provides the greatest compatibility with all devices.

Hopefully that answers your question satisfactorily. Thanks for the suggestion.

Ubercharrge

installing boot buddy is easy anyways. Download script manager, run as root, download bb, run as root, bam!

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Malebolgia

What version of BusyBox is good?

Sepero

@Malebolgia
The latest release of BootBuddy should now work with any busybox. If it doesn't, please let me know!

MotoTriumphant

How can i put the lte2 2nd init app in my boot buddy scripts so it can run at boot in case I have a bootloop. On my spare sd card?

Sepero

@MotoTriumphant
That's a good question. Unfortunately, I don't really know how it would be done. If it's possible, the files to do this are in the location
/data/data/com.eclipse.android.razr.bootstrap/files/

Hopefully you are able to figure it out. I'd be interested in knowing the answer also

rhino889a

Is there away to get an individual script loaded by bootbuddy to stall or delay?
Say i am trying to change a system setting but system overwrites what my bootbuddy script did.

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Sepero

@rhino889a
Here I have put your answer on the new BootBuddy thread.
BootBuddy - Run Boot Scripts from SDcard (a safe alternative to init.d)

PS.
I corrected the link in the OP to point to the New BootBuddy thread.

killericarus

love this idea goes along with the emergency sd card thread incase we needed recovery options