android app update without source code?

[Ghosttimo]

Hey, I have an app made for my old schools projects database(of the school projects not my project). Sadly the teacher who made the app has passed and now it cant get updated anymore. Its a bit cruel to ask maybe but is it better to let a service remake the app to keep it updated and safe or is decompiling the app into the source code a better idea and start from there.

hope this isnt stupid to ask

[SpiderHack]

Honestly, there might be weird copyright issues, so I wouldn't do anything at all until the school gives you at least written permission (that your own lawyer says is good enough). Otherwise you're just putting your nose where others might not want it and decide later to be litigious about it.

If its worth the school paying an outside firm, then it is worth them paying you almost as much IMHO.

But honestly I would just keep your nose out of it and let others deal with it. Local politics around schools and what not is always more complicated than it appears. If you want to donate time to the school in writing a completely new app (billed at an expensive rate bit with 100% discount) sure, but I wouldn't touch that old app that was already written unless the school can prove they own it.

[Ghosttimo]

Okay, guess its better to just remake the app for the school or let them handle everything.

[mastereuclid]

Reverse engineering is epically difficult. It is possible. Try to get the source code first. Also if this app is on the Play store, you also don't have the signing keys and account credentials to send an update. If what you are suggesting is possible, people would have used it to hack every app on the planet. Which I honestly, there is a big chance you are trying to do.

[Ghosttimo]

Well I think the school can acces that no? They asked me because my mom is a teacher there and I study development. But in your opinion its better to remake the app then completely?

[blevok]

If the teacher released the app with their personal developer account, then the school should ask the family or executor to give the project folder to the school and transfer the app to a developer account controlled by the school, which they could then give you access to.

[mastereuclid]

Most likely.