What are the benefits of compiling? (Was: So compiling will....)

[SataniK]

I am trying to do all of this compiling stuff although it is tough for me to understand I want to do it atleast I think so what are the benefits besides being able to apply patches?

[saratoga]

Compiling lets you make changes to the code (via patches, your own edits, etc).  If you're not interested in that, theres very little reason to do it.

[SataniK]

So your saying that I could change it up to be more "personal" well I am not very good at coding but I have the EvilG build and that allows patches so I guess this is something I need to do to get those patches right?

[saratoga]

Custom builds include certain patches, but they don't "allow" them.

If you want to work with patches, I suggest reading the handy guides on working with them:

http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/DocsIndex#For_Developers

[SataniK]

I am sorry let me rephrase this I was under the impression to get the patches that are compatible with the EvilG build I need to do this compiling am I lost in the woods here?

[krazykit]

You seem pretty lost in the woods.  Let's try to clear it up.

What you get from the "Current Build" link is the latest official Rockbox build.  Builds like EvilG's (and others) include various modifications.  These modifications are patches, which are easy-to-apply changes to the official Rockbox code.

You can download the latest Rockbox source and apply these patches yourself, making your own build.  This allows you to use only the patches (read: unofficial stuff) that you want.  If EvilG's (or anyone else's) build satisfies your needs, I'd simply use their build.

[Febs]

Perhaps it would be useful for you to read a bit about what a compiler is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiler

[SataniK]

Well let me ask this question.  If I select EvilG's build there is a section for the build and a section for patches.  These patches include scroll wheel adjustments and back lighting adjustments.  Which I would like.  Now these files come in a .ptch file.  Now as I understand it if I want those adjustments and features I need to compile rockbox correct?

[bascule]

No, EvilG's build already contains those patches, that's the point.

If you download and install his build (exactly as if you were updating Rockbox with a standard current build), all those adjustments and features will already be there and working.

You only need to compile if you want a different set of patches that are not incorporated into one of the unsupported builds.

[SataniK]

Oh wow thank you.  Well that definitely clears that up.  So those of you that compiled what do you use your compiled rockbox to do?  Just so I have a better idea like what features, addons, or customizations.

[Mikerman]

An iRiver iHP-140 user here, which has been around with Rockbox for awhile.  I used to compile so as to add about 3-5 patches:  the back-to-root patch, a Chicago proportional font "fix" (to give the number 1 the same space as other numbers), and 3 or so WPS appearance patches.  Rockbox added most of what I want nowadays into the source code (or I no longer care about certain of the patch features), and so now I compile simply to change the opening splashscreen to show my contact info.

One thing yopu may want to do:  browse the patch directory (link at left) to see what might be there that you might want, to see if compiling would be worth it to you.

[SataniK]

You know your right I don't think I am going to go through with this It does what I need it to do and there is nothing else I really need.  Thanks for helping me sort though this.  I would still like though if for those of you that did compile tell me what you did with you.

[krazykit]

I use a few of the patches that many others use (album art, bmpresize) and an additional patch for the Gigabeat: swapping the functions of SELECT and A buttons.  I also used the mpegplayer resume patch.

[SataniK]

Ok I see thanks guys you can lock this if you would like but I did not know if anyone else wanted to post.