yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[XDA-University] demkantor:
How To Make An Aroma Installer Package

Now it seems like every ROM or mod is flashed with aroma rather than a simple .zip, and for good reason.

Aroma is a handy tool to allow users to flash what they want, be it a ROM, kernel, Mod, whatever, it just makes things simple. Not to mention a customizable UI.

In truth this is very easy to set up and only requires a few more steps than making you standard flashable .zip, it will be only as complicated as you make it.

The best advice I have for anyone wanting to use Aroma is to download the demo from HERE and see how it works.

Then download a few other Aroma Packages to see how the file structure differs, and how the updater-script and aroma-config are used.

Here are a couple I have made for different devices, feel free to download and look them over.

An Aroma Package for any ROM for the Samsung Sidekick 4G This one flashes no ROM just basic apps and mods

Splash Screen and Bootanimation Aroma for the HTC VISION This only flashes new splash screens and Bootanimations

An Aroma Package for the HTC Vision for a specific ROM This one is ROM specific as it contains mods for only one ROM

A ROM Using Aroma To Install Various Features This one is a ROM specific to the HTC Vision that uses Aroma to customize the install

As you can see there are many ways to use Aroma to your benefit, and its up to you how to use it. I will be keeping this short but will try to help you understand the basics.

As Always i encourage questions whenever you have them! Another Great Place To Ask Questions

File Structure

aroma-config
[XDA-University] danyal241:
I consider myself a complete noob I just know how to root and install roms kernals etc. I want to learn how to create roms so will be waiting for your guides ...
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Well I'm glad to know I'm wanted :D

Learning to make your own modifications, kernel, ROMs, whathaveyou can get to be tricky. I would really recommend to start real small

start with some easy stuff like take a ROM you like in a .zip, extract it, and dig through each folder so you see what types of things are in there.

Grab an app and do the same thing, don't bother to decomplie it just use 7zip or something to extract its contents and just peer.

Learn some coding, code.org and code academy is great for simple stuff, I just love Marakana TechTV (a Youtube channel)

When you get your head around the simple things, try a small task, don't try to

here is some sage advice from one of the top dev's ever Read

I'm not saying this to stop or slow you down, just want to say be ready to do a lot (seriously a lot) of reading and research and be ready to fail a few times for sure. I am more to teach you what i know but I cant say I'm an expert in android coding, but as always, ask questions and ill do my best to answer!
[XDA-University] They Drew First Blood:
Re: basic update.zip

Thank you for delving into the basics of Edify- would you clarify here on the set_progress command? In both examples your final set_progress contains a value of (0.1) - should we be setting this to (1.0) as you mentioned above? Thanks again, great writeup!
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Ahh and only if I could write an edify script to edit my guide! Thanks for catching that and yes it should read 1.0, ill change as soon as I can get back to it.

I'm getting married in a few weeks so although I'm on spring brake from college I still need to find the time to finish these guides, usually late at night! But expect a much more comprehensive write up as well as edit guide!
[XDA-University] nikwen:
Great tutorial. Thanks. :good:
[XDA-University] DZYR:
Thanks

Great clear & concise guide on How to create Recovery Flashable .zips.

I am definitely going to give this a go.

I always need to push several apks to /data/apps after flashing a new ROM and have been using TiBu for this.

But, will give me immense satisfaction if I could write my own script and create a flashable zip for these apks.

Thanks once again! :laugh:

PS: All the best for your wedding! :good:
[XDA-University] demkantor:
oops!

So I had a little more time to add to this guide, still lots more to cover! and i plan to overhaul and edit it to a more readable/searchable format once its more complete

(never complete in my mind - but still...)

I did notice that the sample.zip in the second post is flawed, come on 30 some downloads and no one caught it? :p

My bad though, when I zipped it I did it wrong as you can see there is an extra folder that should not be there, if you're not sure what I mean by this, see the third post for sample2.zip

Pretty much I just zipped the sample folder rather than its contents inside.

I will leave the original there so people can see the mistake (so you dont do it to!)

as always,

Happy Flashing!
[XDA-University] KidCarter93:
Hi,

I've got a kind of related question and this actually seems like an ideal place to ask it.

Recently I took an existing boot animation from an older phone so that I could have it on my HTC One. As the resolution of my phone is bigger, I took apart the boot animation and resized all the images and edited the desc.txt file to make it compatible. I replaced the default boot animation with the new resized one and it worker great.

I then decided it would be easier to make it flashable so that other members wouldn't need to mess around with moving the file to a certain place for it to work. This is where the problem starts.

I don't have access to a computer so I tried used jrummy's app ZIPme to make the animation flashable. It said it had installed but in fact it hadn't.

So how could I successfully turn it into a flashable zip direct from my phone?

Also a secondary question.

With the One (not sure if other phones are the same) you need to specify the path to which the boot animation will be saved to. As different ROMs have the boot animation located in different places, I asked a few people how I could make it flash across all ROMs. I got told that I'd need to specify it in the updater script.

So, would I simply be able to copy the updater script from another boot animation for this phone or will that not work?

Apologies for the longer than expected post. It's just that this side of Android is new to me :)

SGS2 FAQ | HTC One FAQ
[XDA-University] demkantor:
[MENTION=4564111]KidCarter93[/MENTION]

Hey I saw you asking in the other thread and was going to chime in but others beat me to it and you stopped posting so i assumed it was all figured out.

correct, the updater script will put the boot animation were you tell it, its up to you to know where the phone keeps it.

an option may be to send it to multiple locations within the script provided the other installs wont harm anything, i guess i would have to know each location you are thinking of to answer this fully.

a common place (at least across the androids i use) would be /system/media so the script would look like

or whatever you have it called and what folder you have it in.

If you would like me to look at the script you are writing I'd be glad to, This guide is taking me forever to write as i have too many projects and too little time, but bootanimations will be covered as some update.zip options.

feel free to pm me If you need a hand further than whats above, ill be around for a while yet tonight!

Edit

somehow I missed the part where you asked if you could do it with your phone, and I'm sure there is an for it somewhere, just never tried... Actually I saw a post on g+ not long ago about someone looking for testers for one, I'll see if I can dig up the link for you, otherwise send me the file and tell me where its located etc and I'll make one for you, only takes a min or two

edit 2

NEVER TRIED THIS but who knows, it may be what youre looking for

im about to hit the shower quick, but ill be around for another hour or so before i need to sleep, if you want me to make the zip for you just let me know
[XDA-University] KidCarter93:
Well most of the ROMs store it in system/media but the stock based ROMs I've tried store it in system/customize/resource. As far as I'm aware there aren't any other locations though.

That g+ post you linked to is the one that I mentioned, ZIPme. It works for other files but didn't seem to work for this for some reason. I might have to contact him and see if I went wrong anywhere.

Yeah it would be great if you could do it for me. Here's the zip - http://d-h.st/xo6

SGS2 FAQ | HTC One FAQ
[XDA-University] demkantor:
haha, like it, will make one for me too!

do you have system mount points for me and an update-binary for your phone?

eh, ill see if i can dig them up...

edit

damn...just a bit to big to post on xda... link coming

edit 2
[MENTION=4564111]KidCarter93[/MENTION] - hope you like it!

XDA-Bootanimation-signed.zip - 18.99 MB

of course i don't have this phone so i would recommend testing it before you publish it, but it should work with any ROM for your phone... let me know
[XDA-University] KidCarter93:
I'm currently getting the following in recovery:

Installing XDA Bootanimation. . .

set_perm: some changes failed

E : Error in /sdcard/0/download/XDA-Bootanimation-signed.zip

(Status 7)

Installation aborted.

SGS2 FAQ | HTC One FAQ
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Is system/customize/resource a folder on your phone? If so can you give me what permissions it uses? I'm guessing the chmod is wrong for that section.

If you are using a ROM that has bootanimation in /system/media then extract the zip and go to the updater script and comment out the two lines about /system/customize/resources

Then rezip and sign and see if it will flash

Edit: [MENTION=4564111]KidCarter93[/MENTION]

were you able to get it to work? if not i have some ideas that may help
[XDA-University] KidCarter93:
Apologies for the slow reply. As it was stored in system/media, I done the changes you said and it installed fully through recovery yet it hasn't actually installed the bootanimation. It's still showing the ROMs bootanimation when I boot up.
[XDA-University] demkantor:
No worries,

Ill check when I get home but I believed I used the tmobile htc one update binary and I see you are posting in the htc one thread (no carrier) not sure how these phones differ if at all, but ill check on this for ya.

But if you could do me a favor until then, see if there is anything in build prop that will always be there on a stock rom vs something different on a another based rom, I'm thinking to have it flash where you need we can have the update script check build prop and use if then ifelse then to choose the proper place to flash, this of course is if there is something there.

Again not having this phone makes it difficult but still should be an easy fix

Edit: [MENTION=4564111]KidCarter93[/MENTION]

I got a feeling this should work on any ROM for your phone, going the simple route...

XDA-Bootanimation-signed.zip - 44.61 MB

Let me know
[XDA-University] hisee:
Can xda university make tut/instructions for building a rom?
[XDA-University] demkantor:
There are already a couple guides here on xda-u, there is a nice one I was just looking over how to build cm from source, it seems well written and thorough
[XDA-University] hisee:
Thks got it.. But I haven't found tut on editing xml file for themes as der r 50+ xml hw we can come to know which xml is use for what purpose ie to change setting background which xml to edit etc....
[XDA-University] demkantor:
THIS it wont cover each android version but may help you find what you're looking for.

Unfortunately when it comes to themeing things will change between each android version, i would suggest if you are just starting out to start with an app, theme it to your liking then move on.

older android versions were much easier to change thing like the systemui.apk to your liking but now its more complicated. Im by no means a great themer myself but depending on what youre trying to do i could probably get you in touch with someone who is.
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Its hard to tell on my phone, ill relook when I get to a pc, but for now get rid of the format command, rezip, and try again. This should work, if not keep me posted. (Yes I'm sure you want to keep the format command but for now test without)
[XDA-University] hisee:
Thks bro... 1st I am planning for make theme for Sammy base so that I can include in my rom (going try) but while making rom I took one rom as base rom but aroma making it harder to understand as a i am comparing 2 rom each having diff structure (both same base and Sammy base) ie one having systemui in system/app folder where as other having it in aroma systemui folder it's damm confusing
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Oh so are you porting a rom right now? The guide I first linked you to is to compile from source. If you have never done either I highly recommend trying to port first as it is much easier.

there are guides to port here in xdau as well, or if you need I can link you to others

Aroma isn't bad once you get the hang of it (I've made lots of aroma packages now and will cover briefly in this guide soon) but I recomend you use both a base and a port rom that doesntg use aroma to start, much easier to learn. Even if the rom has been made before and you never post it, just try it out for the learning purpose.

And I can probably link you to other themeing guides if you can't find them, but there are a bunch of good ones on xda. But really, start small like swaping icons and such, then once this is easy move to bigger projects, I really can't stress enough to start with little projects

Best of luck to you!
[XDA-University] hisee:
Now days its very difficult to find rom without aroma thats the main issue.. Ya will start with some small project and then move on.. Thks for helping.. Will ping u if i need help :)
[XDA-University] demkantor:
[MENTION=3546365]spc_hicks09[/MENTION]

Okay just got to a computer, much easier to read than on my phone!

so youre error looks to be a combo of the format and mount commands

Should look more like

Changing this should fix your flash, if not let me know.

But i would consider finding out where your partitions are held and then change commands accordingly. Cant say for sure why, but this is the only method i trust.

If your not sure I believe I covered it earlier, but easiest way is to run a terminal emulator on phone or adb shell and type

Then change each command accordingly in your updater script, so some common ones may look like:

format("ext4", "EMMC", "/dev/block/mmcblk0p25", 0);

or

mount("ext3", "EMMC", "/dev/block/mmcblk0p26", "/data");

or

package_extract_file("boot.img", "/dev/block/bml7" /boot");

Of course match to your phone, these are three different command, three different partitions on three different phones

If you need further help dont hesitate to ask!

Happy Flashing!
[XDA-University] pcarenza:
For those who are learning this process, the error is on line 3. There should be nothing after the semicolon, which terminates a command line.
[XDA-University] demkantor:
[MENTION=5059921]pcarenza[/MENTION]

Sorry, you are limited to 8 thanks per day .... I hate seeing this!

Anyway, thanks for popping in, Its nice to have others help out in this thread as well!
[XDA-University] Oba-artefact:
Hi,

The SignApk.rar file you give is password locked in mediafire...

Can you give the password?

Sorry if I missed it in the thread but can't find it.
[XDA-University] spc_hicks09:
I appreciate it pcarenza! However, after deleting that line and flashing again, i get the same error "error executing updater binary"

This is the latest recovery.log:

script aborted: format() expects 5 args, got 3
format() expects 5 args, got 3
E:Error executing updater binary in zip '/external_sd/Flash This/full_xt926.bdh.signed.zip'
Error flashing zip '/external_sd/Flash This/full_xt926.bdh.signed.zip'
Updating partition details...
[XDA-University] demkantor:
[MENTION=3546365]spc_hicks09[/MENTION]

Did you see my previous post? Were you able to try this? Also check you have the proper update-binary. This is what's doing the checks and may change between different versions
[XDA-University] spc_hicks09:
Yes, everything is correct with the update-binary now, the only issues now are in the updater-script, which i'm guess is what my above errors are about.

I'm not sure what to do about those errors. I feel i'm getting closer to having this thing boot though.
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Did you try what I said from a few posts back? Did you find your mount points?
[XDA-University] spc_hicks09:
I deleted the mount point you pointed out but haven't gotten around to adding them back in yet. I repo sync'd again and am building again in hopes that maybe it was just a bad sync. I'll still keep you updated though sir. Thank you so much for all your help by the way, lots of people have been A LOT less helpful.
[XDA-University] pcarenza:
Check the syntax of the 'formatt' command and make sure yuour parameters match. This is just like any scripting language - picky and unforgiving, but rewarding in the end.

I could swear by looking up the init language for format, it only takes one parameter...
[XDA-University] spc_hicks09:
Getting ready to go to the beach lol but will definitely get this going when I get back. SO hard to not give up haha.
[XDA-University] spc_hicks09:
Just a quick update, I got my builds to compile with no errors, even got my builds to flash with no errors, but now they won't boot. Just sits at the bootanimation. I'll upload a logcat sometime if it helps anyone.
[XDA-University] abonides:
I am trying to get a TWRP recovery...flashable so I can enjoy other Roms with TWRP , can you point me in the right direction...I'll post up if successful
[XDA-University] demkantor:
So you are building twrp for your device and you want to make it flashable from another recovery? I guess im not sure what all youre asking, can you give me some more details, I see from your SIG you have a Samsung phone
[XDA-University] abonides:
Sorry my bad I have an sgs4g t959w and would like to have TWRP as my recovery.in place of c*-#work:D
[XDA-University] demkantor:
I here ya, clockwork has never been my favorite

THIS GUIDE will help you get started

Best of luck!
[XDA-University] rirozizo:
i suppose this guide is still in "beta" stage? lol

I really want to know the rest of the aroma guide after the "On to the real codding!" thing.

I want to build an aroma package to flash DSP manager/Viper4android and many, many, MANY music apps.
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Haha, yea been kinda busy! Feel free to take a look at a few of the aroma packages I made, and if you dig through my posts there are a dozen or so others to look at.

I just don't always have time to sit in front of a PC and edit but feel free to ask any questions as I always have a mobile on me with a few mins to spare here and there

To start, download aroma demo from link

Get the update-binary for your device (take out of another ROM)

Find all your mount points

Have all the apks or whatever you want to flash handy

Once you have all that then its time to make the two scripts (updater-script and aroma-config)

Let me know what questions you have and I got ya covered! Best of luck and I'll try to make this a priority to finish soon!
[XDA-University] occupational_hazard:
I have tried following your directions to the best of my skill. My zip flashes, but when phone reboots, google apps force stop, then I cant access my internal, or external storage.

mount("ext4", "EMMC", "/dev/block/mmcblk0p16", "/system");

package_extract_dir("/system", "/system");

unmount("/system");

These are basically the three commands issued in the flashable. target folder is /system/etc/permissions.

Link is to my gdrive with my zip in it if you feel like you need to take a look. Is there something else I am supposed to mount?
[XDA-University] demkantor:
You are making system apps then right? You need to also give the new apps or whatever the proper permissions and some apps require other libs to work as well. What all are you flashing?
[XDA-University] occupational_hazard:
Just a platform.XML file. No apps. I wanted to replace the old file with a modified file.
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Yeah can you link the .zip so I can look when I get home
[XDA-University] occupational_hazard:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6T7_MYm0yT7Z2M1dGd3c0wwREk/edit?usp=sharing

Its for an i9505g Galaxy s4 Google Play edition.

EDIT: Here is another link to a second zip I tried editiing, slightly different, added permission change, get updater binary error code.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6T7_MYm0yT7R1pvZ3VFN3p2NXM/edit?usp=sharing

I am wondering if a .sh script would be more suitable for the matter, since one line needs to be added.
[XDA-University] demkantor:
well you updater-script looks fine, does recovery log show any errors? i doubt it or you probably wouldnt have the issues youre having after the flash

im sure you are putting the file in system/etc/permissions/platform.xml in your update.zip right?

so im guessing there is an issue with you modifications to platform.xml, looking at it i notice the last permission is commented out (javax.btobex), but what all did you change from original? maybe i can help see what to change...

oh and a quick test to see if its an issue with your updater-script or the xml would be create a new updater script to flash the original xml and see if things go back to normal, just a thought
[XDA-University] occupational_hazard:
I am trying to add <group gid="media_rw"/> under -<permission name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE">.

When everything flashes smoothly, and I dont delete original .xml, nothing changes. at all. Nothing crashes etc.

EDIT: It works now, I went back to look at original method, but pushing the directory and I had a "/" in front of system. It made a difference. Works now. Im happy.
[XDA-University] occupational_hazard:
Everything works good. Great tutorial. Plan to make another zip soon.
[XDA-University] tOrNadO™:
Hi.. i tried to extract .ftf file.. Tried all the methods.. Flashtool method worked.. Was able to extract data from it.. But only thing bothering me is its not taking .yaffs2 format so i can extract data from the file using flashtool.. But its creating in .ext4 format.. Tried to extract it in linux(Ubuntu).. I did manage to mount it as one of our contributors suggested me to.. But just mounting it was of no help.. Couldn't copy it to my HDD nor make a compressed zip out of it.. Everything stopped in the middle because of some error.. I did try it being a root user too.. Can anyone help??
[XDA-University] demkantor:
[MENTION=4921331]sudhindrakv[/MENTION]

i know very little about .ftf files as ive never owned a sony device. I would suggest asking your question in your devices forum to get more hits on an answer as this thread is dedicated to creating updater-scripts to be flashed in recovery.

judging by your sig try Here just in case you werent aware, otherwise The Q & A Thread in developing and hacking gets lots of help

Best of Luck!
[XDA-University] khanmein:
[MENTION=4334383]demkantor[/MENTION], let said i wanna add/update focal app https://github.com/xplodwild/android_packages_apps_Focal to my rom, does ur method works?
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Should work just fine, I haven't looked into focal but it probably needs so libs along with the apk, and may need to be a system app. Not sure but if you need I'll check when I get near a PC

But yes you can create a flashable.zip to add this to your phone. If you have any issues let me know
[XDA-University] jusho:
Sir.. I deodex my rom through kitchen, but when i flash it the twrp mention error execute updater binary. I deodex from stock rom and i don touch the updater script. Anything wrong sir?
[XDA-University] demkantor:
Do you have the proper update binary for you device? It sounds as your issue is here but you can you upload the updater-script and I'll have a look.
[XDA-University] jusho:
I'll try your solution.. i'll give a feedback here weather its work or not. If not i'll upload my update script for you. Tx b4 sir.