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submitted 3 days ago by ByteMe@lemmy.world to c/opensource@lemmy.ml

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

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[-] Object@sh.itjust.works 18 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

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".

[-] ByteMe@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago
[-] onlinepersona@programming.dev 4 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)
[-] onlinepersona@programming.dev 10 points 3 days ago

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

[-] breakcore@discuss.tchncs.de 6 points 3 days ago

Always a README I would say.

First paragraph tells what the app does im clear terms.

Also, screenshots.

[-] ByteMe@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

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

[-] onlinepersona@programming.dev 4 points 2 days ago

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.

[-] ByteMe@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Good. Thank you

[-] abeorch@friendica.ginestes.es 8 points 3 days ago

@ByteMe Look at publishing it on #fdroid @fdroidorg may be of help.

[-] ByteMe@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

I'm thinking about fdroid, just later

[-] 0_o7@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 days ago

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!

[-] ByteMe@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

Good idea, thanks

[-] lambipapp@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago

Look in to what license fits your project best.

[-] ByteMe@lemmy.world 7 points 3 days ago

Did that. Chose gnu gpl3. Thanks

[-] fiatcode@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 days ago

commit AGENT.md so we'd know if it was AI assisted ๐Ÿ‘€

[-] ByteMe@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

There is no agent.md ๐Ÿ˜…

this post was submitted on 02 Apr 2026
22 points (100.0% liked)

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