BotBrew ◈ root

Software for Superusers

BotBrew is a ▪ root ▪ app that brings cross-compiled command line software to Android, along with a package manager based on opkg and a service manager based on runit. Some highlights include:

◈ an almost-complete busybox with 327 applets: have more of your favorite commands without the bloat

◈ python and ruby: script on-the-go, or run django- and rails-powered servers

◈ subversion and git: access source code using two popular version control systems

◈ tcpdump and nmap: analyze network traffic and query remote hosts

◈ lynx and w3m: go retro with lightweight text-based Web browsers

BotBrew currently runs on ARM-powered devices (sorry, x86 and MIPS users!) and works best with CyanogenMod. Any terminal app that provides a local shell should work, but Hacker's Keyboard and Script Manager might be helpful, too. Spread the word if you like BotBrew! If you have trouble with BotBrew or have bugs to report, feel free to email us at botbrew@inportb.com or chat with us at #botbrew on irc.freenode.net. And we'd love to hear from you if you want to distribute your own software using BotBrew.

BotBrew requires certain privileges to work properly:

◈ ROOT: allows BotBrew to install files to your system

◈ INTERNET: allows BotBrew to download packages from the Internet

◈ ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE: allows BotBrew to find out if you're connected (and avoid opening the homepage if you're not)

◈ RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: allows BotBrew to (optionally) initialize itself and services when your device starts up

Initializing BotBrew at boot should have no performance impact, but services do use resources (so they are disabled by default). Use the control panel to fine-tune your preferences about what BotBrew should do at boot (i.e. start itself, services, or nothing at all).