what is zipalign? how do i use it?

part12studios

So I have a game that i can compile fine to iOS.. and now i want to publish an android version.. but i have no idea what key signing tools are.. seems that keytool and jarsigner are fine.. buy zipalign is "invalid" and i have no idea how to make it right..

I've downloaded / installed nothing for android... i'm just trying to publish straight from gamesalad..

If there are any other steps beyond this that might be a pitfall i'd love to know more about that too.

perhaps there is a comprehensive publishing to android tutorial for gamesalad?

Thanks!
Caleb

butterbean

First off, android publishing isn't working at the moment, they're working on a hot fix patch which should be out tomorrow

Second, you have to download the Android SDK software before you publish an android app... I would recommend downloading versions 2.0 and above...

Third, zip align can be found in your android sdk/tools folder, you'll see it there... once you find it, just select it, and that will align the zip align portion

Once the hot fix patch is out, then you can publish, otherwise at the moment, you will get a server error, until it is fixed.

part12studios

kk super awesome thats really helpful.. i'll keep an eye out for that patch! In the meantime.. Android SDK here i come!

About that SDK, i see a ton of options... should i get the latest sdk (i see 4.0) or should i go for something more well rounded / stable to not exclude too many older devices?

Thanks!
Caleb

butterbean

Caleb

Depends on what devices you're targeting, but I would just download versions 2.0 and above, and if you're publishing to the Nook, be sure to also install the Barnes & Noble portion that you'll see under Android 2.2 API 10 (you'll also see the Galaxy Tab add on, make sure to install that)

Basically, GS publishes universally for 2.2 and above (I believe, don't quote me on that) so you can't choose which version of the SDK to publish for, GS already pre-selected that.

Also, it takes awhile for the stuff to install, so make sure you leave the terminal window open until everything is finished installing... then once it's done, you can check inside your android sdk folder, and you go into "Tools", click on Android, then you will see what's installed in the packages table.

Hope this helps!

part12studios

Hi Butterbean,

Ok at this point i'm targeting phones. My game is not really sized right for a big tablet screen.. i'm interested in reaching a broad range of devices not a specific one in mind.. so i downloaded this android-sdk_r15-macosx.zip SDK. However I do intend to target these other table devices of course.. but right now i just want to see something android come out. so whatever is easiest

I was able to point to the zipalign so thats done.. however you mentioned the install taking a long time.. i didn't "install anything" and don't see what i need to install. i just have a folder at the root of my OSX drive called "android-sdk_r15-macosx". What else do i need to install?

I hear people talking about eclypse.. Also I'm wondering how i generate the requested Keystore file..

I got the patch installed that just came down, so I'm ready to successfully compile an android app! thank you again for your help. I see all these really informed people talking about android stuff and i'm like.. where did you figure this stuff out? I appreciate that game salad added this ability, but it seems like documentation on how to use these features would be really helpful.. and i mean some kind of real step by step to say make a "hello world" android app..

Thanks!
Caleb

The_Gamesalad_Guru

Read this in the forum and watch the video half way down the
posts http://forums.gamesalad.com/discussion/35117/step-by-step-for-android-publish

part12studios

oh thats awesome! will do and thanks!