Root I want to learn about building ROMs

[xstefen]

First trial, based off a guide for another phone b/c I cant find much anything that is HTC/Sense/EVO specific. Removed .apks and added apks. Unsure about how to add flashable.zips, i know i replace the system file but not sure about the updater-script and binary, cant find much info to any of this, and after building the rom with Kitchen [id rather not use this] and moving to sdcard, recovery checks md5sum which is missing then immediately fails and doesnt even flash lol. If anyone has any good starter info or can point me in the right direction or even wants to personally help that would be great ive done c++/vb and random web based crab but never dug into java much. thanks rom wizards

 

[Prinny]

Flashable zips are simple once you get the updater-script right.

Tip: When making a flashable zip, make sure its only the /system or /framework files you select as a zip. If you have a folder called ROM with all the stuff in it and zip the ROM folder, it won't flash. You have to go to the internals, select the files, add to zip.

Best thing to do? Download a ROM or an add-on, look at the updater script, and tinker with it.

 

[Brian706]

Another option is you can download something like App2zip from the play store. It will let you select apps and turn them into a flashable zip. Titanium Backup can also do this now if you have that installed. Create a flashable zip with one of those and study the updater-script. These two methods will allow you to see how to write data into the script as well. And like Prinny said, you can always pull the updater script from any rom you have laying around.

 

[xstefen]

Thanks guys, what about the updater-binary, which is unviewable in notepad++, as must flashable zips have one included, but then theres the main one for the rom. i want to incorperate the flashable zips into my rom before i cook it, and switch out the kernel too before cooking the rom. i honestly think thats where i went wrong, still researching and reading and will fool with it more when i have some time off to nerd out

 

[Prinny]

Thanks guys, what about the updater-binary, which is unviewable in notepad++, as must flashable zips have one included, but then theres the main one for the rom. i want to incorperate the flashable zips into my rom before i cook it, and switch out the kernel too before cooking the rom. i honestly think thats where i went wrong, still researching and reading and will fool with it more when i have some time off to nerd out

The script is what you need to edit, if I'm not mistaken. Maybe someone else could clarify, but I never touched that.

 

[Brian706]

I think Prinny is right. I'm not a pro by any means but I think you can take the binary from something else and you just need to update the script. It's what commands everything. :/ You might have more luck asking in the Development section!

 

[xstefen]

Ive PMed a few people and will make some more posts after doing more research and more trial/error runs. Thanks again guys

And if anyone else has some knowledge who reads this go ahead a post

 

[Prinny]

I think Prinny is right. I'm not a pro by any means but I think you can take the binary from something else and you just need to update the script. It's what commands everything. :/ You might have more luck asking in the Development section!

Whenever I've made anything flashable, I happened to have an updater-binary around. I just threw it into whatever, zip, flash, bootloop, curse myself for not making a backup...so on and so forth.

 

[ramjet73]

I'm not a ROM developer, but I have created and modified flashable zip files using the Edify (updater-script) and Aroma scripting languages. The following links should be helpful if you want to start there:

Making Flashable ZIPs, EDIFY Script, ZIP Signing & Key Creation [25.12.12]
[TUT] [for NOOB] editing updater-script for noobs!
[TUT]Edify Installation Script Syntax's
Aroma, Edify, updater script Question and Answer thread
Edify Script Language Reference

To answer your question about the update-binary in the META-INF/com/google/android folder, that is the executable binary that interprets and acts on the statements in the updater-script. For more information about what it does and how it is created see the "What's new in TWRP 2.3.0.0" section of this page.

If you want to tackle ROM creation and modification these links might help:

[TEAM XPOSED] [Guide]9/21/11: How to dissect a ROM and mod it to your satisfaction
[Guide]Complete Android ROM development and essential tutorials ~~ By Nero Young ~~
[KITCHEN] Android Kitchen, v0.218 [Linux / Mac / Windows]
UOT Kitchen (for adding themes)

And if you feel really brave you can try dastin1015's (developer of GANGNAM CM10 ROM) tutorial on compiling JB from source, and there are a lot of good development threads in the Chef Central Android Forum on XDA.

That should keep you busy for a while. I hope I didn't give away any of the current developers' secret links.

ramjet73

 

[xstefen]

ramjet, you sir.. are a boss. thanks much!