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apk (file format) facts for kids
This page is about the Android package format. For the Alpine Linux package format, see Alpine Linux.
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| Type of format | Package format |
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| Extended from | JAR |
An Android Package file, often called an APK, is a special file format. It's like a package for apps on Android phones and tablets. This format helps share and install mobile apps, mobile games, and other software. You can create an APK file from code written in Java or Kotlin.
APK files can also be made from something called Android App Bundles.
Contents
What is an APK?
An APK file is similar to other app packages you might know. For example, it's like an APPX file on Microsoft Windows or a Debian package on Debian-based computers.
To make an APK file, a computer program for Android is first put together. This is done using tools like Android Studio. Then, all the parts of the program are packed into one single APK file.
An APK file holds everything an app needs to run. This includes the app's code, pictures, sounds, and special files that describe the app. APK files can have any name, but they usually end with ".apk" so your device knows what they are.
Most Android devices let you install APK files yourself. You might need to turn on a setting called "Unknown Sources" first. This setting allows you to install apps from places other than official stores like Google Play. People might do this for many reasons. For example, they might be making their own apps. Or they might want to install an app not found in the store. Sometimes, they just want an older version of an app they already have.
APKs on Other Devices
APK files are mostly for Android devices. But sometimes, you can use them on other operating systems too.
BlackBerry Phones
Blackberry Limited phones used to support Android apps. This started with a software update in 2014. It allowed Android apps to run on Blackberry 10 devices. Later, BlackBerry even teamed up with Amazon.com to include the Amazon Appstore on their phones.
Windows Computers
In 2021, Microsoft announced something new for Windows 11. It's called the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). This lets users run Android apps right on their Windows desktop. You can even install APK files you download from other places onto Windows.
Google also shared plans in 2021 to bring Android games to Windows computers in 2022.
HarmonyOS Devices
HarmonyOS is another operating system. It started supporting third-party APK apps in 2019 for Smart Screen TVs. By 2021, phones and tablets running HarmonyOS 2.0 could also use APK apps.
What's Inside an APK File?
An APK file is actually a ZIP archive. This means it's like a compressed folder that holds many other files and folders inside. Here are some of the main things you'll find:
META-INFfolder: This folder contains important information about the app.
* MANIFEST.MF: This file lists all the parts of the app. * The app's certificate: This proves who made the app. * CERT.SF: This file helps check if the app's parts are correct and haven't been changed.
libfolder: This folder holds code that works with different types of computer processors.
* armeabi-v7a: Code for ARMv7 processors. * arm64-v8a: Code for ARMv8 arm64 processors. * x86: Code for x86 processors. * x86_64: Code for x86-64 processors.
resfolder: This folder contains resources like images, sounds, and other things the app uses.
assetsfolder: This folder also holds app resources. The app can get these resources when it runs.
AndroidManifest.xml: This is a very important file. It's like the app's ID card. It describes the app's name, version, and what parts of your device it needs permission to use. It also lists any other files the app needs to work.
classes.dex: This file contains the main code for the app. The Android system uses this code to run the app.
resources.arsc: This file holds resources that have been pre-made for the app.
See also
In Spanish: APK (formato) para niños
- Android software development
- .ipa