APK is an Android package. It is a file format used by the Android operating system to install and distribute software and mobile applications. The files are actually similar to other packages such as Debian based operating system such as APPX or Debian packages such as Ubuntu for Microsoft Windows.
To get the APK file, one has to setup the Android software for Android and then all the partitions are compiled into one file which contains the software code. These can be files such as .dex files. The APK file should also contain the policy statement, certificate, assets, and resource files. Like any file format you know, APK files are allowed to have any kind of name you want. The only thing permanent is the ending which has to be .apk.
Do you have an Android device?
If so, you may still be looking for the best apps for your device. The fastest way to load your device with apps is to download free apps through the Android Market.
Google owns the Android Market, a market with all kinds of interesting apps – themes, calculators, useful utilities, and actual games to download. Most of these applications are free. If you want to access some of the advanced features, some of you may want to upgrade for a small fee. So what do you need to do to get files from the market?
Unlike traditional software
You do not need to apk download files and then install apps on your device. Open a Google account, then you can access the Android Market. You can access the market through a web browser, or you can use the Android Market app. What is the difference? Market application. It helps you to manage all your applications. Downloads are fast too.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the Android Market. For example, the Market app is not pre-installed on some smartphones. Therefore, consumers cannot access the market through the application. Others want to install an older version of the working application but it can no longer be found in the market. In such cases, they need to download APK files.
APK files work just like EXE files
If you have a Windows PC, you may be familiar with XE files (enabled). It is usually used to start the software installer. This is how the APK file works. When you need to install software on your Android device, you can run the APK file through the file browser. Of course, make sure you enable Unknown Sources in your settings.
For security reasons, you are not allowed to install APK files, because such files may cause the device to crash. For example, an unofficial app might be too small to cause the device to crash. You don’t want that to happen. So please make sure to download files from trusted sources only. Alternatively, you can wait to try the APK file on other people’s devices before trying to install it. There are developers who are always ready to test the installation. They will then publish their results in forums or blogs.
You can also download APK files on your desktop computer. Download the file as a regular file and save it to your local hard drive. Then connect your Android device to your computer and move the APK files to your SD card. Next, use a file manager (such as Astro) to find and open APK files.