• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Root Becoming a Developer

What do I need to have to start developing roms? I really want to be a part of this, but I dont know how to start off. I need some advice, thats why I made this thread.
Thank You.

I see the spark has lit ^.^
I will tell you now, its not easy...but if you want to get started, heres a few tips.

*Become familiar with the linux OS, Your going to need a linux enviroment to edit some linux files in android. So, if your running windows, I would recommend going to Ubuntu's site and download the OS and install it beside windows and get yourself use to linux first.
*Download the Android SDK and become familiar with it.
*Understand how APKs are packed (Android packages). Try taking a apk file you dont care about and turn the .apk to .rar and you can see how the package is packed
*Head on over to google's android sdk site and they have all the information about android you'll need
*Become familiar with Eclipse development program
*Become familiar with JDK
*Become familiar with open source code (code that has been released for developers to use for their own projects Ex: Anderweb=ADW launcher)
*Buy some books off amazon
*Buy a cheap android tablet and understand how it works (cheap ones at merimobiles.com)
*Get yourself familiar with java and XML

These arnt instructions but basic things you should understand and know before considering to be part of the development community.
Even if you cant do this, we are always looking for graphic designers as well for themes and wallpapers. Animators, xml writers, C++, ect.
Developers always have room for someone in their group.
 
  • Like
Reactions: krisdezzy
Upvote 0
*Become familiar with the linux OS, Your going to need a linux enviroment to edit some linux files in android. So, if your running windows, I would recommend going to Ubuntu's site and download the OS and install it beside windows and get yourself use to linux first.
*Download the Android SDK and become familiar with it.
*Understand how APKs are packed (Android packages). Try taking a apk file you dont care about and turn the .apk to .rar and you can see how the package is packed
*Head on over to google's android sdk site and they have all the information about android you'll need
*Become familiar with Eclipse development program
*Become familiar with JDK
*Become familiar with open source code (code that has been released for developers to use for their own projects Ex: Anderweb=ADW launcher)
*Buy some books off amazon
*Buy a cheap android tablet and understand how it works (cheap ones at merimobiles.com)
*Get yourself familiar with java and XML

...nah, I'll leave it up to you guys. If I try to pack all that stuff in my brain my head will uhsplode.

Maybe if I was still 16 and had room/time left. I knew it was complicated, but THAT complicated... damn, I love you guys who can actually do that.
 
Upvote 0
I see the spark has lit ^.^
I will tell you now, its not easy...but if you want to get started, heres a few tips.

*Become familiar with the linux OS, Your going to need a linux enviroment to edit some linux files in android. So, if your running windows, I would recommend going to Ubuntu's site and download the OS and install it beside windows and get yourself use to linux first.
*Download the Android SDK and become familiar with it.
*Understand how APKs are packed (Android packages). Try taking a apk file you dont care about and turn the .apk to .rar and you can see how the package is packed
*Head on over to google's android sdk site and they have all the information about android you'll need
*Become familiar with Eclipse development program
*Become familiar with JDK
*Become familiar with open source code (code that has been released for developers to use for their own projects Ex: Anderweb=ADW launcher)
*Buy some books off amazon
*Buy a cheap android tablet and understand how it works (cheap ones at merimobiles.com)
*Get yourself familiar with java and XML

These arnt instructions but basic things you should understand and know before considering to be part of the development community.
Even if you cant do this, we are always looking for graphic designers as well for themes and wallpapers. Animators, xml writers, C++, ect.
Developers always have room for someone in their group.

thank you so much, so what are the programs would I need to download? Linux OS?
 
Upvote 0
Virtual machine while developing is really hard to work with. I would either install ubuntu beside windows or on an external harddrive
On google's page that host the android sdk, they also talk about eclipse (apk development program) make sure you have a decent enternet connection as the files are pretty huge. My only enternet source is my ally so it took awhile for me.
 
Upvote 0
(This is a reworded, less hostile version of the post I previously added here.)

Another very important thing you will need is tough skin, and a head held high.
You're going to catch a lot of opposition from people trying (and sometimes succeeding) in leaking your hard work before it's good and ready to be released.

Take that as a good thing, because that means people are SO eager to get your work, that they go through the trouble to do that.

Good luck with development!
 
  • Like
Reactions: fullhouse233
Upvote 0
i made a rom in windows using the sdk and resigned the zips... it is a biach to resign em in windows... i prefer linux or hackintosh for that part, never released it due to negative remarks from people ... this goes along with boot animations, and skins. Now if i want anything custom i make it for myself and don't post it. if you post it ppl only complain at you... there is little reward in being a dev...
 
Upvote 0
i made a rom in windows using the sdk and resigned the zips... it is a biach to resign em in windows... i prefer linux or hackintosh for that part, never released it due to negative remarks from people ... this goes along with boot animations, and skins. Now if i want anything custom i make it for myself and don't post it. if you post it ppl only complain at you... there is little reward in being a dev...

I do this because I enjoy it and I enjoy the people I am working with. People will always criticize your work, let your haters be your motivators and keep on with what you enjoy doing regardless of who complains. Life isnt all flowers and butterflies, gotta take the bad with the good sometimes ya know?
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones