Define: APK?

[AC Question]

define: APK

Seems I can download APK, what is it and what does it do?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Was this also from you? http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...w-do-i-start-learning-basics.html#post5222948

An APK file is an app installer file. If you download it to your phone, then open it, it will install the app to the phone. In general, I would recommend against installing apps this way, though, because it bypasses the security that the Google Play Store (or the Amazon Appstore/Underground) provide by vetting the apps first before making them available to you. If you download an apk file yourself, it's usually from some filesharing site that has no regulation whatsoever. It therefore puts you at risk for malware. In addition, apk files might also be pirated forms of apps that you normally have to pay for, and that's a no-no on this forum.

 

[VigneshB]

It's an acronym for Android application package. It is the file format used to install application software on your Android phone. They are usually ZIP file formatted packages, based on the JAR file format, with an .apk file extension.
In layman terms, think of it like a setup.exe in Windows or a .dmg file for OS X which let you install software on your device.
If you're thinking of downloading these, make sure that the source is trust-worthy. Or else it's better to stick with Google's Play Store.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_application_package

Edit : B.Diddy beat me to it!

 

[B. Diddy]

It's an acronym for Android application package. It is the file format used to install application software on your Android phone. They are usually ZIP file formatted packages, based on the JAR file format, with an .apk file extension.
In layman terms, think of it like a setup.exe in Windows or a .dmg file for OS X which let you install software on your device.
If you're thinking of downloading these, make sure that the source is trust-worthy. Or else it's better to stick with Google's Play Store.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_application_package

Edit : B.Diddy beat me to it!

Yeah, but your answer sounds a lot better and technically accurate!

 

[shahrukh_hp1]

ELI5 : APK is like exe file that runs on android devices