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RTW is installed from source with a single command — there are no packaged releases yet. Here's what each platform needs and what works today.

macOSAvailable from sourceAndroidAvailable from source

macOS

Run the full library on a Mac and share it with devices on the same Wi-Fi.

Status
Available from source
Release
No packaged release yet — install from source below.

Requirements

  • macOS on Apple Silicon or Intel (tested on Apple Silicon)
  • Xcode Command Line Tools (provides git and Python 3)
  • Homebrew (installs nginx)
  • Free disk space for content — Arabic Wikipedia (text only) is about 8.4 GB

What works today

  • AvailableOffline Wikipedia and other Kiwix ZIM files
  • AvailableBooks (PDF, EPUB), notes, downloads, static sites
  • AvailableOffline vector maps (Saudi Arabia + Egypt extract)
  • AvailableUpload and manage content from a browser (password)
  • AvailableShare with devices on the same Wi-Fi — Verified from an Android tablet on the same network
  • PlannedPackaged installer

Install

  1. Get the code

    Terminal
    git clone https://github.com/eslam-mahmoud/reinvent-the-wheel.git
cd reinvent-the-wheel

  2. Install dependencies and set an admin password

    Terminal
    ./rtw setup

  3. Start the library

    Terminal
    ./rtw start

  4. Download content while you're online

    Terminal
    ./rtw fetch all

Limitations

  • No packaged macOS app yet — it runs from a terminal.
  • The Mac must stay awake while other devices use the library.
  • Showing your location on the map from another device needs the HTTPS address and a one-time certificate warning.
macOS documentation Source code

Android

Turn a phone or tablet into a portable library that nearby devices reach over its hotspot.

Status
Available from source
Release
No packaged release yet — install from source below.

Requirements

  • 64-bit ARM device (arm64-v8a)
  • Termux — the F-Droid build supports Android 7+; the Google Play build we tested needs Android 12L or newer
  • Several GB of free storage for content
  • 4 GB of RAM or more recommended (tested with 8 GB)

What works today

  • AvailableDependencies install in Termux (nginx, kiwix-tools, Python) — Verified on a Redmi Pad 2 Pro, Android 16
  • AvailableOne-command install from GitHub (no computer) — Verified on a Redmi Pad 2 Pro
  • AvailableLibrary served from the device, including Wikipedia and maps — 8.4 GB Arabic Wikipedia via Kiwix
  • AvailableCopy content from a Mac over USB (rtw push)
  • AvailableShare with devices on the same Wi-Fi — Verified from a Mac on the same network
  • AvailableSharing over the device's own hotspot — Verified with a phone on the tablet's hotspot
  • AvailableDownloading content directly on the device (rtw fetch) — Verified: knowledge packs wizard, 240 MB
  • PlannedExternal USB-C storage
  • PlannedStandalone app

Install

  1. Install Termux and open it

  2. Run the installer (asks for storage access and an admin password)

    Termux
    bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/eslam-mahmoud/reinvent-the-wheel/main/bootstrap.sh)"

  3. Start the library

    Termux
    rtw start

  4. Turn on the Android hotspot and share the address it prints

Limitations

  • Runs inside Termux — there's no standalone Android app.
  • Android may stop background apps: set Termux's battery usage to “No restrictions”.
  • Starting on boot needs the separate Termux:Boot add-on.
  • External USB storage is not supported yet.
Android documentation Source code