APK

APK stands for Android Package Kit. It’s the file format used by the Android operating system to distribute and install apps.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

When you download apps from the Google Play Store, you’re actually getting APK files behind the scenes.

An APK contains all the elements an app needs to install properly on your device, such as code, resources, assets, and manifest files.

You can also manually install APKs by “sideloading” them — that means downloading the APK file from outside the Play Store and installing it directly. This is useful for apps not available in your region or for beta versions.

Important: Installing APKs from untrusted sources can be risky because they might contain malware or compromised software. Always download APKs from reputable sites or official developers.

In short, APKs are the building blocks for installing Android apps.