Skip to main content


How do I open source an Android app?


I've been building an app for some time and I'm interested in open sourcing it. I've searched the net but I haven't found a good thorough guide on how to open source an app. So, besides choosing a place to put my code (github etc), what are some other advice you can give me in order to do it right? Thanks in advance
in reply to ByteMe

You should check out .gitignore templates and .gitignore file in other open source Android apps to see what needs to be published, what doesn't need to be published, and most importantly what you should not publish. You should get a couple of results when you search "gitignore android studio".
This entry was edited (9 hours ago)
in reply to ByteMe

Codeberg or gitlab as a source forge. Depending on how private you are, you can start a fresh git repository, then your private history won't be exposed.

Otherwise, a license and gitignore file and you're done. Maybe a README if you fancy. And if you want to go overboard, add the apk or request for it to be put on F-Droid

in reply to onlinepersona

Always a README I would say.

First paragraph tells what the app does im clear terms.

Also, screenshots.

in reply to onlinepersona

Do I have to sign the apk? I haven't found any clear answer on that.
in reply to ByteMe

Yep, signing is mandatory, according to the docs. It's necessary for updating the app. You don't have to use Google, you can self-sign it.
in reply to ByteMe

Look at publishing it on #fdroid @F-Droid may be of help.

Open Source reshared this.

⇧