charch_openrc

Running a complete Linux distribution alongside Android is a powerful capability, and ChArch (Chroot Arch Linux) is a popular way to achieve this. However, managing init systems within a chroot environment can be quite difficult. The charch_openrc module, created by developer tytydraco, is designed to solve this specific problem by initializing OpenRC for the default ChArch root filesystem.

This guide will walk you through how this module simplifies things, why OpenRC is the better choice here, and how to keep your services running smoothly.

Why OpenRC for ChArch?

When using a chroot container to run Linux on Android, traditional init systems like systemd can be too complex and use too many resources. Systemd’s design, which requires it to be the first process (PID 1) and directly manage cgroups, conflicts with Android’s existing init system.

OpenRC, a favorite in Alpine Linux and Gentoo, offers a more lightweight and adaptable approach to system initialization, built around dependencies. Unlike some systems, it doesn’t need to be PID 1 to work properly. This makes it a great choice for handling services such as SSH, databases, and web servers within your ChArch setup, without the risk of container failure or excessive power drain.

How the Module Works

This module streamlines a configuration process that, if done by hand, would be a real chore. Essentially, you’d be swapping out the standard init parameters. Behind the scenes, this module takes care of several key tasks:

1. Package injection guarantees the inclusion of essential openrc-core binaries and their dependencies within your root filesystem. This process might also encompass device management packages such as eudev or openrc-eudev. These are vital because the chroot environment doesn’t natively manage hardware events, unlike a standard installation on physical hardware.
2. Entry Point Configuration: In a typical PC setup, a bootloader like GRUB is configured to point to /sbin/openrc-init. In the ChArch Android environment, this module helps manage how processes run. Specifically, it ensures that when you enter the chroot, OpenRC understands the environment and can start services correctly.
3. Runlevel Management: This module helps establish the default runlevels, making sure critical services are ready to launch.

Managing Services: A Quick Guide

After installing the module and rebooting your device, you’ll need to abandon systemctl commands within your ChArch terminal. OpenRC syntax is now the way to go.

Here’s a side-by-side look to help you get your bearings with the new system:

• Start a service: Instead of systemctl start [service], use:

  rc-service [service] start
  

• Enable a service on boot: Instead of systemctl enable [service], add it to the default runlevel:

  rc-update add [service] default
  

• Check Status: To see what is currently running:

  rc-status
  

Compatibility and Installation

This module is designed with contemporary root methods at its core. It works seamlessly with the established Magisk framework, alongside the more recent KernelSU (KSU) and APatch approaches. Furthermore, it’s prepared for KSU Next, guaranteeing that your ChArch configuration stays solid, regardless of your chosen root solution.

This module elevates your ChArch instance, turning it from a basic shell into a fully-fledged, service-ready Linux subsystem.

Download Link

Download Link

Module Info

• Module By
  tytydraco
• Root Support
  Magisk KernelSU APatch
• Source View on GitHub/Source
• Latest Update 02 May 2025
• Word Counter 509
• Character Counter 4956

charch_openrc is a Module that supports installation on Magisk, KernelSU, APATCH, KSUNext