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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
#opensource
in reply to ByteMe

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[object Object]
• •
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 (1 month ago)
in reply to ByteMe

onlinepersona
onlinepersona
• •

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

breakcore
breakcore
• •

Always a README I would say.

First paragraph tells what the app does im clear terms.

Also, screenshots.

in reply to onlinepersona

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

onlinepersona
onlinepersona
• •
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.

Sign your app

Learn important concepts related to app signing and security, how to sign your app for release to Google Play using Android Studio, and how to opt in to Play App Signing.
Android Developers
in reply to ByteMe

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

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in reply to ByteMe

0_o7
0_o7
• •

If you're new to Android development, before you submit to main f-droid repo, try submitting it to izzydroid repo.

Follow their requirements but even if you miss some things, Izzy is very friendly and will guide you through the process. And then once you're done, you'll have a proper setup to submit to the main repo.

Good luck!

in reply to ByteMe

irelephant [he/him]
irelephant [he/him]
• •

Pick a good license: choosealicense.com/

If you haven't already, look into how git works.
Then upload the code to a git forge like codeberg or github


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