Database Users

Creating Custom ROM for nexus one

To save me "re-inventing the wheel" can any one advise me on the propriety files needed from the N1 to build a custom ROM for it? e.g. libhtc_acustic.so and libhtc_ril.so
I am trying build a ROM from the open source project, so if anyone has advice for me please let me know.
Before you ask, the only reason i am doing this is because i have system apps i want to try on it and they need to be signed with the same key as the shared system uid. If you no a way i can build a ROM from the Nexus to do this please let me know.
Ne0

I don't believe the 2.1 source has hit the AOSP repos yet. So you won't be able to build a complete framework/kernel until that is released.
You could dump your N1 and then just unarchive and resign everything, but it would be a hell of a job I think

I realise 2.1 is not a public resource yet, but i am attempting to roll back to Eclair, just for the purpose of testing my system apps.
I want to resign everything and i dont mind if its a hell of a job!! What do you mean by unarchive? and whats the best way to get a complete dump?
Thanks for your help.
Ne0

Roll back to eclair won't work. The binary blob drivers are tied to a kernel and the kernels are (kinda) tied to the platform releases. So the N1 can only house 2.1 right now (IIRC)
What I was alluding to is that each APK/JAR contains a signature that you want to replace with a sig made by the test keys right?
So if you pulled /system from you're N1 and re-signed each apk and the framework with test keys and pushed that back or made and update.zip holding the re-signed apks (like the theme-makers) you should then be able to test your platform app that is also signed with test keys and a shared UID.

I too would like to know the answer to this.

SilentMobius said:
Roll back to eclair won't work. The binary blob drivers are tied to a kernel and the kernels are (kinda) tied to the platform releases. So the N1 can only house 2.1 right now (IIRC)
What I was alluding to is that each APK/JAR contains a signature that you want to replace with a sig made by the test keys right?
So if you pulled /system from you're N1 and re-signed each apk and the framework with test keys and pushed that back or made and update.zip holding the re-signed apks (like the theme-makers) you should then be able to test your platform app that is also signed with test keys and a shared UID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SilentMobius said:
I don't believe the 2.1 source has hit the AOSP repos yet. So you won't be able to build a complete framework/kernel until that is released.
You could dump your N1 and then just unarchive and resign everything, but it would be a hell of a job I think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct ... resigning everything with test keys would enable some1 to test out said system apps (also signed with testkeys) ... but only as a test, as it would not be suitable for everyday ROM use.
Resigning with test keys is trivial (search for it) ... but I'd recommend you use the de-odex'd system (see the nexus1 theme templates in my sig).
The reason this is not a everyday solution is b/c resigning everything with testkeys will break the google checkin process, meaning signing into google and using the market will largely break.
But if this is truly just for some sorta system app test, that shouldn't matter.
Other than that, the OP's question is fairly broad in scope. A question like "how to create a custom ROM for nexus1" ... implies many things and many answers.
~enom~

enomther said:
Resigning with test keys is trivial (search for it) ... but I'd recommend you use the de-odex'd system (see the nexus1 theme templates in my sig).
The reason this is not a everyday solution is b/c resigning everything with testkeys will break the google checkin process, meaning signing into google and using the market will largely break.
~enom~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks enom, great work. My system apps are just for testing, though it would be handy to make it into a complete ROM so i dont have to keep reflashing when i need to use them. Are you saying that it is not possible to get google checkin working this way? or just that no one has done it yet?
Ne0
Just resigned, sync'd with google, market works and i can install my system apps. All thanks to ~enom~, thanks for posting the deodexed system, saved me a bit of time!

[Updated] A request for the devs (include already existing RTL support fix)

NOTE: This is a thread for the build devs.
Users who want to try this solution themselves should head over to TheAgent1982's thread: RTL Support Project, or go to the Hebrew guide at htcaddicts.com.
Update: Hey devs. Just so you'd know, we're even willing to do the framework.jar patching for you!
All we ask from you is to deodex your builds, and include the patched framework.jar (which appears to be almost the same for all builds, barring sense/non-sense differences).
PM if you're willing to let us help
Hey devs
First of all, thanks to all the devs who are doing a great work with everything!
There's one thing though that's a pox on all Android builds (even native android devices), and that is full-on right-to-left support. What do I mean?
Sure, there are Hebrew (and I assume Arabic) fonts in Android, and MOST applications work just fine, with the notable exceptions of Gmail, Google maps, and most native Google-apps, who all display Hebrew backwards.
A far more stressing issue, however, is that ALL android applications without exception display numbers backwards in right-to-left texts (so 10 becomes 01, 12 becomes 21, etc. It can get really confusing really fast).
Any way, there exists a solution for both these problems that can USUALLY be fixed with a medium amount of experience on native Android devices, but requires a bit of a hassle for HD2 owners.
Hopefully, you devs can incorporate this fix to future releases, once the fixed files are obtained it shouldn't be too hard to spread in the future.
Here's the process:
BTW, This only works on completely deodexed builds!
First, you have to download this zip file. It basically contains the fixed files and some other stuff you devs probably won't need.
The fix then involves extracting 'framework.jar' from the phone, and extracting the 'classes' file thusly:
Code:
java -jar baksmali-1.2.2.jar -o classes classes.dex
Then, in the subsequently created "classes" folder, you need to replace the files in "/classes/android/graphics/" and "classes/android/text" with the relevant files in the aforementioned zip file (from the corresponding folders, of course, under "files/froyo/")
After that is done, you need to re-create 'classes.dex' using:
Code:
java -Xmx512M -jar smali-1.2.2.jar classes -o classes_new.dex
Then, replace the old 'classes.dex' in 'framework.jar' with the new one (after renaming it back to 'classes.dex', of course), and push the new and fixed 'framework.jar' back to the phone.
Reboot, and voila: full-on Left-to-Right support!
I'm sure you devs have far better ways of including these fixed files without having to edit the entire thing every time, but what would I know?
We would be extremely appreciative to all you builds devs if you could incorporate those fixed 'classes' files in future builds, it'll save us a ton of work.
Also, if any of you guys also need volunteers for beta-testing this solution (as I'm sure you don't have Hebrew content to test it with), feel free to PM me.
Thank you for listening, and keep up the great work!
((PS, thanks to member silverbluem who helped simplify the process))

+1
i use the htc sense to read sms so
the msg wont appear word4 word3 word2 word1

+1 for that. although i am using bifbif ver 1.2 with CM6 and its OK here.

i've test it on Mdj Evolution 2.3 and it work perfect:
i never copied the files to /graphic only to /text folder
to put the Framework.jar in the device because we dont have recovery mode
use this commands:
to pull the file:
adb pull system/framework/framework.jar
install the attached files
adb push (your file location/framework.jar) system/framework/framework.jar
after putting the file restart the device
restart might take 5-10 min first run after applying the file
thanks

silverbluem said:
i've test it on Mdj Evolution 2.3 and it work perfect:
i never copied the files to /graphic only to /text folder
to put the Framework.jar in the device because we dont have recovery mode
use this commands:
to pull the file:
adb pull system/framework/framework.jar
install the attached files
adb push (your file location/framework.jar) system/framework/framework.jar
after putting the file restart the device
restart might take 5-10 min first run after applying the file
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sure does absolve us of needing to use Linux and needing all that messy system.ext2 stuff. I'll give it a try.
Still, it'd be nice to have these updated files already incorporated into future builds.

Ambious said:
This sure does absolve us of needing to use Linux and needing all that messy system.ext2 stuff. I'll give it a try.
Still, it'd be nice to have these updated files already incorporated into future builds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
still need to figure out how to replace the graphic file
cause the view is not perfect without it...

Ambious said:
Edit: I tried this method, and while it DID boot, the solution didn't work - numbers still backwards, Google applications still reverse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what rom are you using?
EDIT: the only thing that need to change to you is the phone book is now need to be RTL and the number backwards
Gmail need the Graphic file

silverbluem said:
what rom are you using?
EDIT: the only thing that need to change to you is the phone book is now need to be RTL and the number backwards
Gmail need the Graphic file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My WM rom is OzDROID2.0, my Android rom is MDJ FroyoHD 3.7
Well, the phone book was never a problem for me, only hybrid text/numbers like in text messages etc.
Anyway, turns out I didn't modify framework.jar correctly, so I tried again using the script, and this time the phone just won't boot (like when I used Linux, it just hangs at boot screen).
Edit: Tried all day, all combinations of 'texts' files and with or w/o the 'graphics' file, and it always either just didn't fix anything (when I did the fix manually), or didn't boot at all (when I tried the script). This got me to conclude that I must not be doing it right, or else it would fail to boot for me as well (at least, I'm not even considering me being able to totally fix it myself )

Not a week ago, i was referred to the Samsung Galaxy S's newest ROM which came from Orange..
The rom includes (to my understanding) all the latest fixes regarding left to right text and even a hebrew version of Swype
It is easily retrievable. Obviously, it isn't legal to extract their work and use it to manutfacture a widespread ROM... but you can use it for personal use if you want to check how to fix that annoying hebrew thing.

+1000
Thanks

nir36 said:
Not a week ago, i was referred to the Samsung Galaxy S's newest ROM which came from Orange..
The rom includes (to my understanding) all the latest fixes regarding left to right text and even a hebrew version of Swype
It is easily retrievable. Obviously, it isn't legal to extract their work and use it to manutfacture a widespread ROM... but you can use it for personal use if you want to check how to fix that annoying hebrew thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It COULD be used to reverse engineer some of the stuff, but I doubt it's similar enough to the HD2 builds to use it.

+1
Thanks

Hebrew RTL Support
For those who are asking, i have made a working framework.jar , time ago.
It is working for most FROYO Sence, CM6.+ does not need it...
BUT NOT Desire HD Sence ( Because is is odex files, not only *.jar).
If needed i will upload it, and put a tutorial how to make it work...
Good Day!

RTL HEbrew
Please do that !
Thanks

Framework.jar
Tomorrow i will post the file with short tut how to put it, i must say that Ambious bring a good tut directly from iAndroid
Any way, Ambious, if i will upload the file please stick it to 1st page.
For now, good night...

This fix is a must for all RTL language users.
As mentioned, CM6+ already includes the fix and is working pretty good!
Problem is, for some reason, CM6 builds are rare...
I tried a few Sense builds but eventually i came back to a CM6 based build
because of it's support for RTL languages.
Devs, please include this fix in you builds, to make them as much accessible
as possible.
Thanks.

TheAgent1982 said:
Tomorrow i will post the file with short tut how to put it, i must say that Ambious bring a good tut directly from iAndroid
Any way, Ambious, if i will upload the file please stick it to 1st page.
For now, good night...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sure will!
Thank you
However, as a Sense user myself, I'm pretty anxious to see if a fix can be applied to any of the Sense builds (especially DesireHD, which is my current build).

Well Organized Post
I have made well organized post for it:
RTL Support Post.
I must say, it will NOT Work for Desire HD for now, because it is ODEX and jar combined, and as you have read at iAndroid, for now there is NO solution for it,
and i do not have the experience and time to learn and convert it, since i am a student.
But i will give it a try between the semesters...

Hey,
The HD2 Desire HD builds are fully deodexed.
Froyo HD 3.7 for example: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=795914
Maybe you could use them for preparing a RTL fix for when the deodexed desire HD ROMS come and for us HD2 android users.
Cheers.

It may be my semi-n00bness, but all my attempts to create a fix for DesireHD 3.7 failed.
Also, trying the supplied fix in the thread above on MDJ Sense Clean (non HD based) failed, wouldn't boot.
Hopefully someone can get it to work, and better yet - that the devs will incorporate those fixes in their builds.

[REQUEST] Looking for a APK creator.

Greets all,
I am looking for a person who understand on how to create an apk for android, and if they can create one for me. I have tried and tried and I cannot get the last half of the apk because I dont understand programming and am truly clueless. I had someone who was going to help me, but then disappeared, so I come here for help.
I would think it would not be that hard for someone who knows what they are doing. If anyone would be so kind and willing please PM me, or reply. I would like to finish this project but I'm at a standstill.
The details will be provided in PM.
Thank you.
AngelDeath

Want do you want the apk to do?
Create just an apk is easy...but without any programming skills and some code in it it will do nothing .

An APK is just a simple ZIP file, nothing more.

Thats true, its a simple zip, but when you need it to make changes or copy files, thats where I am clueless.
I have already made the gui, and the menus, I got that all covered, but the problem I have run across or the clueless programming idiot part of me is that when you make a selection, for it to impliment what you selected, also since the selection would make changes to a file, how would I got about having all the different combinations, saved in the apk so that when you make a selection it would know what to pick and either copy the settings, or to overwrite the existing file with the selection chosen?
When I tell you I am a programming idiot, take it seriously I am.

sorry, i don't have a solution to your inquiry (have tried and tried to build apks and no success beyond themes...)
and i think your skills are quite beyond mine as a chef, but in all of my reading i felt that this guide seemed to help. maybe can help, but if not good luck!
http://www.vogella.de/articles/AndroidLiveWallpaper/article.html

Thanks for the link I bookmarked it, but one of the things its lacking in the tut for wallpapers is the way to overwrite an existing file. But I'll look at it as with my android books, but I am more a visual learner first then read, if that makes sense.

interesting idea. i would think that if possible, might run into problems a la metamorph with apks not being able to updated once their initial integrity is altered. though if a rom file, don't think that would be a problem. another angle would be to see if it is redirectable - like what themechooser for tmo/ cm7 roms does. those themes don't replace per se, though can redirect most things. just waxing philosophically. best of luck. if i ever venture out of cm7, your roms are looking very interesting! keep up the great work.
cheers.

A place where to make apps
I know this webpage where you can make apps whithout programing.
The webpage is: Called "Andromo" Since I'm new I cant paste the link but I think that you can put "www" and at the end "com"
Greetings,
Mister-Android.rs Team

[Guide] Building AOSP & Adding Features

First off I'd like to apologize if this is in the wrong place or if it is perceived as advertising, I simply want to contribute to the dev community and this site, and in particular the Nexus 9 forum that has been the centre of my learning as I took up the hobby of AOSP.
I have been back and forth with AOSP, I've contributed a little bit here and there on the Android development forums but would like to properly document how to build AOSP and more importantly (because it is even less well documented) how to add features, change existing features and generally customize the operating system to your liking. I am by no means an expert but I feel I have enough knowledge that I can share it with others who may be in the position I was a number of months ago. I always found it very difficult to find a centralized location for the information I needed.
To this end I have started a site to do just that. I am using a Nexus 9 for my AOSP development but most (if not all) of the tutorials and information should be applicable to basically any AOSP/Nexus device. I have started things off by creating a tutorial on how to build AOSP from 'scratch' so to speak and a tutorial on how to add items to the power menu such as 'reboot', 'airplane mode' etc.
If anybody would like certain topics covered or just have any feedback or comments please reply here or leave them on the articles themselves. I'll do my best to accommodate / respond.
The link is: http://littlelostandroid.wordpress.com
From tomorrow the following (nicer) link should also work: www.alittlelostandroid.com
I should also add that the blog will be ongoing about all things android device but this initial series will be about also and implementing features.

wow this is a real good guide/blog u put together please do continue

Dreamlogix said:
wow this is a real good guide/blog u put together please do continue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! The next post should be up in a day or two, its been a busy week.

New post up about flashing the build to a device!
www.alittlelostandroid.com

This is a great website. Lol i'm gonna have to learn to use ubuntu(was gonna do it anyway on my old computer but motherboard died and i got lazy). Can you make this in chronological order? or better add each section to a sitemap? Just a suggestion:cyclops:

whowatchlist said:
This is a great website. Lol i'm gonna have to learn to use ubuntu(was gonna do it anyway on my old computer but motherboard died and i got lazy). Can you make this in chronological order? or better add each section to a sitemap? Just a suggestion:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I changed the theme so that you can see the most recent posts on the side and work from that. I'm still getting to grips with WordPress to be honest but hopefully that's better now.

Another post about setting up and storing your code on GIT repos:
https://littlelostandroid.wordpress...-open-source-project-part-4-git-repositories/

Thanks for this
Do you have any insight to share on your site about building the LTE variants at all?

THX for your work !
There are plans to continue this great guide?

scoobydu said:
Thanks for this
Do you have any insight to share on your site about building the LTE variants at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly I won't be able to do any work around the LTE version as I don't have the hardware to test it on. I don't want to release advice I haven't tested and potentially end up inadvertently damaging someones tablet for example
Topse said:
THX for your work !
There are plans to continue this great guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply, I don't get any emails when someone posts on this thread, I need to subscribe to it. I do plan on doing more, in fact I think I may have some written already, just a matter of getting time to do it. I'll get to work on the next section of the tutorials and post here when it's up. Is there anything in particular you would like covered?

seanashmore said:
Sadly I won't be able to do any work around the LTE version as I don't have the hardware to test it on. I don't want to release advice I haven't tested and potentially end up inadvertently damaging someones tablet for example
Sorry for the late reply, I don't get any emails when someone posts on this thread, I need to subscribe to it. I do plan on doing more, in fact I think I may have some written already, just a matter of getting time to do it. I'll get to work on the next section of the tutorials and post here when it's up. Is there anything in particular you would like covered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m actually try to make my own little aosp rom.
I have some probs with gapps flashing.
Wrong api level error.
I tried different commits.
With pure nexus gapps it works .I need to flash it twice.
I do "make otapackage", this is different to your guide.
When I flash a custom kernel I don't have this gapps problems.?
Next thing I will integrate is that reboot option.
But with reboot recovery.
Once after flashing I was surprised with stock recovery..
How can I disable that?
At the moment I build only for my bullhead.
But if that recovery and gapps problem is solved.
I will try for my flounder and shamu too.
Actually I use n7 r 15 as source. But will will switch to 7.1*
When it is evaluable.

Topse said:
I m actually try to make my own little aosp rom.
I have some probs with gapps flashing.
Wrong api level error.
I tried different commits.
With pure nexus gapps it works .I need to flash it twice.
I do "make otapackage", this is different to your guide.
When I flash a custom kernel I don't have this gapps problems.?
Next thing I will integrate is that reboot option.
But with reboot recovery.
Once after flashing I was surprised with stock recovery..
How can I disable that?
At the moment I build only for my bullhead.
But if that recovery and gapps problem is solved.
I will try for my flounder and shamu too.
Actually I use n7 r 15 as source. But will will switch to 7.1*
When it is evaluable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not 100% sure about the GAPPS issue, maybe try http://opengapps.org/, it lets you choose your android version, architecture etc.
In terms of the recovery; You'll see in my tutorials that I am using the stock Google factory images as a base. In that image is a recovery.img file; You should be able to replace this file with TWRP or any other custom recovery and flash it as part of your ROM.
Hope this helps.

seanashmore said:
I'm not 100% sure about the GAPPS issue, maybe try http://opengapps.org/, it lets you choose your android version, architecture etc.
In terms of the recovery; You'll see in my tutorials that I am using the stock Google factory images as a base. In that image is a recovery.img file; You should be able to replace this file with TWRP or any other custom recovery and flash it as part of your ROM.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried opengapps. But i run in an error. Opengapps say my ROM has the wrong api level.
I tried this commit (and other like that)
https://github.com/Cardinal-AOSP/frameworks_base/commit/6c8322f3ad221ea2092e82b99ece537b85ec996f
And with pure nexus dynamic gapps . it works when I flash the gapps two times. First I get the error and the second try works.
Change recovery to twrp sounds good. But with more devices its a dangers thing. Cause ever device needs special twrp.
I think there is a way to disable this flashing recovery.
But till now I didn't find it.

Topse said:
I tried opengapps. But i run in an error. Opengapps say my ROM has the wrong api level.
I tried this commit (and other like that)
https://github.com/Cardinal-AOSP/frameworks_base/commit/6c8322f3ad221ea2092e82b99ece537b85ec996f
And with pure nexus dynamic gapps . it works when I flash the gapps two times. First I get the error and the second try works.
Change recovery to twrp sounds good. But with more devices its a dangers thing. Cause ever device needs special twrp.
I think there is a way to disable this flashing recovery.
But till now I didn't find it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's just the case of not flashing the recovery img then just remove that line/command from the script. However you will have to assume that the device already has a recovery img (which to be honest is a fairly safe assumption).

[/STRIKE]
seanashmore said:
If it's just the case of not flashing the recovery img then just remove that line/command from the script. However you will have to assume that the device already has a recovery img (which to be honest is a fairly safe assumption).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try this for recovery https://github.com/peteralfonso/platform_build/commit/9b3a020058b84fb1f9cfba600f4a958572a805c3
edit: i think this is to old...

seanashmore said:
I'm not 100% sure about the GAPPS issue, maybe try http://opengapps.org/, it lets you choose your android version, architecture etc.
In terms of the recovery; You'll see in my tutorials that I am using the stock Google factory images as a base. In that image is a recovery.img file; You should be able to replace this file with TWRP or any other custom recovery and flash it as part of your ROM.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use this way to build:
cd ~/aosp/kernel/lge/bullhead
make clean
export ARCH=arm64
export CROSS_COMPILE=~/aosp/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/aarch64/aarch64-linux-android-4.9/bin/aarch64-linux-android-
export USE_CCACHE=1
make bullhead_defconfig
make -j6
cd ~/aosp
mkdir ~/aosp/device/lge/bullhead-kernel
rm ~/aosp/device/lge/bullhead-kernel/Image.gz-dtb
cp ~/aosp/kernel/lge/bullhead/arch/arm64/boot/Image.gz-dtb ~/aosp/device/lge/bullhead-kernel
source build/envsetup.sh
make clobber
lunch aosp_bullhead-userdebug
export USE_CCACHE=1
make -j6 otapackage

Topse said:
I use this way to build:
cd ~/aosp/kernel/lge/bullhead
make clean
export ARCH=arm64
export CROSS_COMPILE=~/aosp/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/aarch64/aarch64-linux-android-4.9/bin/aarch64-linux-android-
export USE_CCACHE=1
make bullhead_defconfig
make -j6
cd ~/aosp
mkdir ~/aosp/device/lge/bullhead-kernel
rm ~/aosp/device/lge/bullhead-kernel/Image.gz-dtb
cp ~/aosp/kernel/lge/bullhead/arch/arm64/boot/Image.gz-dtb ~/aosp/device/lge/bullhead-kernel
source build/envsetup.sh
make clobber
lunch aosp_bullhead-userdebug
export USE_CCACHE=1
make -j6 otapackage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok, see the way I build gives me separate .img files, and I write a script similar to the flash-all script you get with the factory images. This allows me to pretty easily change what i want to do and what i want to flash or not.

seanashmore said:
Ah ok, see the way I build gives me separate .img files, and I write a script similar to the flash-all script you get with the factory images. This allows me to pretty easily change what i want to do and what i want to flash or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Year , but zip is easier to use/share.

Topse said:
Year , but zip is easier to use/share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely, though you can always put your script and .img files inside a zip just like the factory images. so users would download your zip, unzip it and run your script. Its all down to personal taste i guess, there are many ways to skin a cat.

seanashmore said:
Definitely, though you can always put your script and .img files inside a zip just like the factory images. so users would download your zip, unzip it and run your script. Its all down to personal taste i guess, there are many ways to skin a cat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good:
I like it to try different ways.Good for learning and deeper understanding.
For my personal use is this way no problem.
But for sharing with other people is a flashable zip file the most used way.

[WINDOWS] [DOWNLOADS] Would we want a Lineage OS Installer?

Hello!
Normally when I come on the XDA forums, I am asking a question, because I end up making a silly mistake in Android. I never like to put out promotional content for attention, and that is surely what I am not doing here, I am simply putting my work out there to see if the community would like it and if we do like, we can begin setting it up for other devices immediately. Now, I am not a skilled programmer at all, but I know SOME Visual Basic with Windows Forum Applications, so I thought "why not give it a shot." I just wanted to say that.
So I made this simple little application called Lineage OS Installer. Now, reading through some of the comments on the Lineage OS Reddit page, some people were asking if there would be an installer for Lineage OS, and there was a good amount of people who did not want one, which makes sense; people should know what they are getting into, and understanding ADB and Fastboot is indeed important. However, sometimes, there is a person who is not involved with ROMS, who is fine with OEM Android, who does not want to use root and what not, however, they want the latest version of android possible for their device, and that was a main point of CyanogenMod; users could get the latest version of android on their phone and tablet when their manufacturer/carrier stopped supporting it. However, the installation can be intimidating, and for the user that I just described earlier, the user who does not want root and what not, that could mean they won't bother attempting to install a custom ROM. However, this application automates the process; all the user needs to do is click some buttons, and press Enter a few times to install LineageOS.
I understand I don't need "permission" to distribute this program, however, I am just asking if the overall community would support the use of this program.
NOTICE: The applicaton may fail to start properly. I am investigating this issue. In the meantime, ensure you have the latest .NET Framerwork([url]https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55170&desc=dotnet47[/URL]). If that doesn't work, try building from the source ([url]https://github.com/PJBeans/LineageOS-Installer/wiki/How-to-build-from-the-source[/URL])
This is a simple graphical and command-line based installer designed to make it easier to install LineageOS; this program is aimed at beginners. It is not the prettiest program ever, but it still works with my Nexus 7 2013 WiFi just fine
Possible support for flashing root may become available in the future.
If you notice a bug (an issue with the application), please submit it here: https://github.com/PJBeans/Lineage-OS-Installer/issues
Features:
[ADB and Fastboot is required, but NOT included.]
- Instructions for enabling Developer Options, USB Debugging, and OEM Unlocking (if required)
- Embedded browsers to download TWRP, GApps, and LineageOS
- Automatically creates a backup with TWRP.
- Flashes TWRP, LineageOS, and GApps with minimal user interaction; no TWRP interaction required! (The most they really do is confirm they want to unlock the bootloader)
If you have a secondary device that supports LineageOS, perhaps you could try out this program and report your results [in a reply to this thread]! In order to make this as stable as possible, it would require lots of testing, and I do not plan on buying each and every Android phone anytime soon. If you want to test this program, use the prebuilt version, as the Source version may contain undocumented bugs blocking one from their goal. Note that:
- It may screw up your device. No automatic restore process is implemented yet, so make sure to have some sort of recovery tool handy.
- When you report back, please include the version of the program you used (as identified in the Downloads section), along with your device.
- CURRENTLY ONLY FOR NEXUS (AND PROBABLY ONEPLUS) DEVICES! HTC, LG, AND OTHERS THAT REQUIRE A BOOTLOADER UNLOCK SITE OR DEVICES WITH A DIFFERENT INSTALLATION PROCESS ( *cough cough* SAMSUNG) ARE NOT SUPPORTED!!
Screenshots:
Coming Soon
Downloads:
Prebuilt
Prebuilt [VB.NET]: (Version 2.0) https://github.com/PJBeans/LineageOS-Installer/releases (Tested on Nexus 7 2013 WiFi)
CURRENTLY FOR TESTING PURPOSES! - "-development" will be removed in the program once the program is known to be stable.
VB.NET is primarily developed by chompy33 (PJBeans), and C# is primarily developed by Evilarceus. Each branch's source can be found below.
Source
Source: (Version 2.0-development) https://github.com/PJBeans/Lineage-OS-Installer (I encourage absolutely anyone to contribute, even if you would like to make just a minor change!)
Updates:
Past:
UPDATE 1.4.0 and 1.4.1(VB.NET)
(I never published 1.3.0, so here's 1.4.0)
- Scripts have been updated; the user no longer needs to interact with TWRP.
- There is one button to install.
- The script automatically backs up data, cache, and dalvik prior to wiping for installation (no backup before unlocking the bootloader, however)
- (1.4.1) Fix issue with application failing to start (Thanks, @dinesh_redhawk for pointing out this bug that I somehow missed!)
- (1.4.1) Update Installer
UPDATE 1.2.0 (VB.NET)
- User must type "yes" before starting the process to ensure they know to read everything and follow all instructions given.
- Support for GApps
- More messages for user instructions.
- Scripts should be working correctly.
UPDATE 1.1 (VB.NET)
- More Material Design
- 3 step installation (Unlock Bootloader, Flash Recovery, install LineageOS)
- Added a beautiful background image (IMO) of New York City on First Form
Current:
UPDATE 2.0 (VB.NET)
- Check out the release notes on GitHub (Prebuilt Download link)
What is your viewpoint on this? Would you actually want an installer to exist for those who are inexperienced with flashing ROMS?
Sorry for such as long post, and I did not put this in DevDB because it is not directly an Android project.

chompy33 said:
Hi,
---
Normally when I come on the XDA forums, I am asking a question, because I end up making a silly mistake in Android. I never like to put out promotional content for attention, and that is surely what I am not doing here, I am simply putting my work out there to see if the community would like it and if we do like, we can begin setting it up for other devices immediately. Now, I am not a skilled programmer at all, but I know SOME Visual Basic with Windows Forum Applications, so I thought "why not give it a shot." I just wanted to say that.
So I made this simple little application called Lineage OS Installer. Now, reading through some of the comments on the Lineage OS Reddit page, some people were asking if there would be an installer for Lineage OS, and there was a good amount of people who did not want one, which makes sense; people should know what they are getting into, and understanding ADB and Fastboot is indeed important. However, sometimes, there is a person who is not involved with ROMS, who is fine with OEM Android, who does not want to use root and what not, however, they want the latest version of android possible for their device, and that was a main point of CyanogenMod; users could get the latest version of android on their phone and tablet when their manufacturer/carrier stopped supporting it. However, the installation can be intimidating, and for the user that I just described earlier, the user who does not want root and what not, that could mean they won't bother attempting to install a custom ROM. However, this application automates the process; all the user needs to do is click some buttons, and press Enter a few times to install Lineage OS.
I understand I don't need "permission" to distribute this program, however, I am just asking if the overall community would support the use of this program.
---
This is a simple graphical and command-line based installer to make it easier to install LineageOS; this program is aimed at beginners. It is not the prettiest program ever, but it still works with my Nexus 7 2013 WiFi just fine
I did not add support for flashing google apps (gapps) yet, just because I do not know if we will use the same open-gapps package that was used in CyanogenMod, or if we would switch to something different.
Features:
[ADB and Fastboot is required, but NOT included.]
- Instructions to enabling Developer Options, USB Debugging, and OEM Unlocking (if required)
- a file called setup.bat, that will set up the directory where all the required files live
- Embedded browsers to download TWRP and LineageOS*
- Included script that runs `adb devices` to ensure device is recognized
- Installation script that sets up the device to install Lineage OS, and pushes LineageOS to the device.
- Gives instructions for steps that must be completed on the device (Wiping, flashing, etc.)
The program's installation script is finished; it does its job to install a ROM to a device; it will unlock the bootloader, flash TWRP, and push the lineageos image. (I substituted LineageOS for CyanogenMod 13 while testing). *The only thing unfinished it the embedded browser to download LineageOS.
I would not recommend using it currently as it is still in early development
Downloads:
Prebuilt: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B70zQND1cM1WQVFjYi0yZy1BVnc/view?usp=sharing
Source: https://github.com/PJBeans/Lineage-OS-Installer
I understand that the main focus with LineageOS right now is to set up the website, servers, and images, and I do not want to distract those users. But this is what I would like to ask anyone: Would you actually want an installer to exist for those who are inexperienced with flashing ROMS?
Sorry for such as long post, and I did not put this in DevDB because it is not directly an Android project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill be honest. This is most dangerous for inexperienced users. If something goes wrong then they have no idea how to fix or find out how to fix it.
If used it would be best suited for someone that does rom testing where they flash multiple times a day, but as you are required to use a pc I really dont see much use for it.
just my thoughts.

zelendel said:
Ill be honest. This is most dangerous for inexperienced users. If something goes wrong then they have no idea how to fix or find out how to fix it.
If used it would be best suited for someone that does rom testing where they flash multiple times a day, but as you are required to use a pc I really dont see much use for it.
just my thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply! I completely see what you mean; an inexperienced user could possibly freak out, perhaps disconnect the device while something was going on. Perhaps I/anyone else who contributes could add a support section clearly marked for troubleshooting, complete with a guide to reflash stock. If I/someone else did this, would that make it more friendly for beginners in your eyes?

chompy33 said:
Thank you for your reply! I completely see what you mean; an inexperienced user could possibly freak out, perhaps disconnect the device while something was going on. Perhaps I/anyone else who contributes could add a support section clearly marked for troubleshooting, complete with a guide to reflash stock. If I/someone else did this, would that make it more friendly for beginners in your eyes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that make it more friendly for beginners.

I'd be happy to help this project. I could maybe create a UI for this if all goes well.
Also, you should try learning C# if you already know Visual Basic. It's more widely supported and requires less typing. I can still contribute, since I do know both C# and Visual Basic

I wonder if it would be too much to ask to have this program automatically make a NANDROID backup before starting. Incase an inexperienced user disconnected the device or did something to disrupt the install, and caused a soft brick or similar, the NANDROID backup could be restored, and the user could re-attempt, with no harm done.

evilarceus said:
I'd be happy to help this project. I could maybe create a UI for this if all goes well.
Also, you should try learning C# if you already know Visual Basic. It's more widely supported and requires less typing. I can still contribute, since I do know both C# and Visual Basic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! The source is in the original post. The only thing that does not have a UI is the installation (although the current UI is pretty bad) I will try to learn C# as time goes on. If you would like to make part of the program in C#, feel free!

Doofitator said:
I know Visual Basic, and I'd be happy to help with the development of this application, too.
I also wonder if it would be too much to ask to have this program automatically make a NANDROID backup before starting. Incase an inexperienced user disconnected the device or did something to disrupt the install, the NANDROID backup could be restored, and the user could re-attempt, with no harm done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply! The source is above. Creating a NANDROID back is a great idea, perhaps we could create an automatic restore option too.

I am worried by the usage by inexperienced users. They are more prone to panic and destroy their phone, which could lead to a bad name for lineageOS on many forums where they will complain that lineageOS just killed their phone, while they did'nt understand the simplest part of the process.
BUT
This can be a tool very useful for experienced users who serially update phones of their many inexperienced friends.
I am doing just that (with around 50 differents phones to date) with my many friends of friends, and a tool like yours would simplify my job. For the moment, i keep a directory of directorys containing rooter scripts, recoverys, roms, gapps, utilities (adb, fastboot, odin, heindall,...) and have a multi-gigabyte library of those.
A utility who prepare a directory for a phone model, download rom, twrp/cwm, gapps, and do the phone rooting for every phone is a very desired thing, but it is a hell of a project to achieve.
So good luck with your project, and dont hesitate to ask me for help if you need, i would be proud to help you achieve your goal.

mlsoftlaberge said:
I am worried by the usage by inexperienced users. They are more prone to panic and destroy their phone, which could lead to a bad name for lineageOS on many forums where they will complain that lineageOS just killed their phone, while they did'nt understand the simplest part of the process.
BUT
This can be a tool very useful for experienced users who serially update phones of their many inexperienced friends.
I am doing just that (with around 50 differents phones to date) with my many friends of friends, and a tool like yours would simplify my job. For the moment, i keep a directory of directorys containing rooter scripts, recoverys, roms, gapps, utilities (adb, fastboot, odin, heindall,...) and have a multi-gigabyte library of those.
A utility who prepare a directory for a phone model, download rom, twrp/cwm, gapps, and do the phone rooting for every phone is a very desired thing, but it is a hell of a project to achieve.
So good luck with your project, and dont hesitate to ask me for help if you need, i would be proud to help you achieve your goal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see what you mean, and I/other contributors will (hopefully) try to make this process very user friendly, so they won't need to panic. I guess developers could use this if they needed to install the ROM on multiple devices, though currently the installation is kind of slow. I appreciate your response!

chompy33 said:
I see what you mean, and I/other contributors will (hopefully) try to make this process very user friendly, so they won't need to panic. I guess developers could use this if they needed to install the ROM on multiple devices, though currently the installation is kind of slow. I appreciate your response!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest that such a tool should be VERY wordy about telling the user what it is doing, and should NEVER suspend its apparent activity.
My experience (and it is commercial experience, with genuine products in the marketplace) is that the user will get nervous, and may do something unfortunate, if they fear that something has gone wrong...and they WILL fear this if there is no obvious activity for a long time...and "long time" might be only a few seconds.
So, to make this tool "safe", it should be continually reassuring the user that it is doing something. There should be a progress bar, that keeps moving. There should also be a text section that keeps updating what is going on. If the operation under way will take awhile, then this text session should (every few seconds) remind the user "I'm still working on this...estimated time to completion is XX seconds" (or some such).
This operation IS dangerous, particularly if the user does something wrong. So keep reassuring the user that everything is fine.

jiml8 said:
I would suggest that such a tool should be VERY wordy about telling the user what it is doing, and should NEVER suspend its apparent activity.
My experience (and it is commercial experience, with genuine products in the marketplace) is that the user will get nervous, and may do something unfortunate, if they fear that something has gone wrong...and they WILL fear this if there is no obvious activity for a long time...and "long time" might be only a few seconds.
So, to make this tool "safe", it should be continually reassuring the user that it is doing something. There should be a progress bar, that keeps moving. There should also be a text section that keeps updating what is going on. If the operation under way will take awhile, then this text session should (every few seconds) remind the user "I'm still working on this...estimated time to completion is XX seconds" (or some such).
This operation IS dangerous, particularly if the user does something wrong. So keep reassuring the user that everything is fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea! Thanks for the suggestion, we will definitely incorporate this.

Two thumbs up for a LineageOS installer, plz develop it
Definitely having a LineageOS installer is a great idea!
Unquestionably, it will permit people who are not experienced with flashing custom roms(which accounts for a lot of people), nor do they have an interest in learning about that(e.g. my mom) to easily get the latest Android build on their Android phone (which may no longer be supported by the OEM; an e.g. AT&T LG G2).

44alexsmith said:
Definitely having a LineageOS installer is a great idea!
Unquestionably, it will permit people who are not experienced with flashing custom roms(which accounts for a lot of people), nor do they have an interest in learning about that(e.g. my mom) to easily get the latest Android build on their Android phone (which may no longer be supported by the OEM; an e.g. AT&T LG G2).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I am trying to achieve. Provided I/contributors make a stable build by the time a stable build of LineageOS comes out (or at least around there, it's an open source project so there is no official date), it could give LineageOS a reputation of being a very easy ROM to install. Thanks for the reply.

Creating an installer for users who don't event know what's going on from the inside is useless IMO.
If the installer fail to flash they get stuck with a bricked device and don't know what to do.

I added a .gitignore to reduce cloning size and keeping things clean: https://github.com/PJBeans/Lineage-OS-Installer/pull/1
If you want, add me as a collaborator on the GitHub project so I don't have to keep on making pull requests.

p4rot said:
Creating an installer for users who don't event know what's going on from the inside is useless IMO.
If the installer fail to flash they get stuck with a bricked device and don't know what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just FYI, I did say earlier that this installer should have an automatic NANDROID backup take place, so phones would be safe if something happened.

Doofitator said:
Just FYI, I did say earlier that this installer should have an automatic NANDROID backup take place, so phones would be safe if something happened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We will attempt to add this (or at least guide the user) later on. Thanks for your response!

evilarceus said:
I added a .gitignore to reduce cloning size and keeping things clean: https://github.com/PJBeans/Lineage-OS-Installer/pull/1
If you want, add me as a collaborator on the GitHub project so I don't have to keep on making pull requests.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I set up a live chat on Telegram, the link is on the Repository's Readme. I appreciate your commitment to this project!
I sent an invite at https://github.com/PJBeans/Lineage-OS-Installer/invitations

chompy33 said:
We will attempt to add this (or at least guide the user) later on. Thanks for your response!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If possible, I think making this a mandatory step would be better - we don't want people skipping it and then complaining later.