Appimagekit: How do I create AppImages for different architectures?

[jviotti]

We're currently generating x86_64 images over here at https://github.com/resin-io/etcher, but are hoping to generate x86 images as well.

By skimming through the documentation, AppImageKit injects a run-time that is platform dependent, a task performed by AppImageAssistant I guess.

Given I already have a compiled x86 application, is there an easy way I can generate an AppImage from a x86_64 machine?

[jviotti]

As far as I see, adding an x86 AppRun to the package and then creating the image with an x86_64 AppImageAssistant _should_ work. I can't find a readily published x86 version of AppRun though.

[probonopd]

We don't offer precompiled versions for other architectures yet, but you should be able to compile AppImageKit for other architectures without much trouble.

[RazZziel]

As far as I see, adding an x86 AppRun to the package and then creating the image with an x86_64 AppImageAssistant _should_ work.

Nope @jviotti, because there's also the runtime binary that gets injected in the header of the AppImage, which right now will be x86_64 if you're using a x86_64 AppImageAssistant.

That was fixed in https://github.com/probonopd/AppImageKit/pull/130 (merge pending), which lets use a single AppImageAssistant to create AppImages for multiple architectures (for now x86 and x86_64, ARM in progress in https://github.com/probonopd/AppImageKit/issues/111), passing the --arch argument.

I can't find a readily published x86 version of AppRun though.

That was also fixed in https://github.com/probonopd/AppImageKit/pull/120 (merge pending). Meanwhile, you can use docker like we do in order to build AppImageKit for x86 and generate your packages, or use MuseScore's approach to generating x86, x86_64 and ARMhf AppImages.

[probonopd]

So, do people think #120 and #130 are ready for primetime?

[jviotti]

Happy to give #130 a spin for Etcher, and report back the results.

[probonopd]

For now you can download AppImageKit and compile it on your target architecture, this will give you runtime, AppRun, and everything else you need for your target architecture.

Also, I am collecting votes on whether #120 and #130 are ready for merging.

[notklaatu]

So far, I'm just cross-compiling. It seems to work quite well, but admittedly I am only compiling two things (AppRun itself and wxWidgets, sometimes) and the rest is Python. I'd be interested in trying 130 at least (120 was tl;dr)

[probonopd]

I assume this question is answered; if not, please reopen.

[probonopd]

To everyone reading this, if you are interested in ARM builds, check out Open Build Service which can build AppImages for 32-bit and 64-bit Intel and ARM architectures. Instructions: https://github.com/probonopd/AppImageKit/wiki/Using-Open-Build-Service