[texworks] TeXWorks running successfully in an Android / Debian compatability layer

[Paul A Norman]

Hi!

I haven't been using TeXworks for quite a long while, having been mobile
and  extensively Android based.

Recently stumbled upon a Debian based project (not official Debian) which
successfully creates a compatibility layer on top of the standard Android
kernel *without* requiring device rooting or reportedly any system
alteration whatsoever.

This is not a full Debian setup and is smaller as it relies on existing
Android services.

Its processes are run in their own space.

It installed nicely under both Android Lollipop 5.0.2 (Moto G2) and Android
KitKat 4.1.2. (Samsung Note 10.1) On three devices in all so far.

If installed to a more powerful phone, a weaker tablet client with larger
screen can provide a better viewport through vnc. However for text editing
etc. I have so far found running on KitKat slower device more than adequate.

Obviously you need a cheap data connection / or good WiFi service for
install. The PlayStore download (~20mb) once installed and started, will
immediately seek another 200mb tightly compressed download from SourceForge
servers.

Allow between 900mb - 1.5/2 GB on your device's primary card (depending
what you want to do).
The X11 server and setup via PRoot (courtesy Cédric Vincent) cannot yet
operate from a secondary sdcard.

If wanting to try this, you'd want a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, or
successful OTG with USB hub connected keyboard and mouse - if effective on
your device, or stylus and physical keyboard of some sort.

If you've used Debian or derivatives (Ubuntu and family) this will be very
familiar running with a simple Desktop.

An associate here runs Blender(!), Gimp, Krita, Inkscape and others
successfully, if not slower on some points.

With baited breath I asked synaptic to locate and install TeXworks.

Not a problem!  :-)

Required packages automatically installed TeXlive as well. (Dynamic TeX*
package loading is the next thing for me to discover the solution for.)

I have yet to do extensive testing, but can already report that I have
already produced a simple test .pdf

TeXworks runs magnificently so far, well done TeXworks developers - stable
in the Android world!

https://github.com/pelya/debian-noroot

PlayStore:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cuntubuntu

Hope it helps others to know about this.
Has anyone else used this approach at all?

Paul
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