APK stands for Android Package Kit. This is a file format used by the Android operating system for the installation and distribution of middleware and mobile applications. The files are actually analogous to the other packages like APPX for Microsoft Windows or the Debn type of packages within the Debian-based operating system type like Ubuntu.

To create the APK file, you need to compile an Android program for Android and then pack all the parts into a single file that contains the program code. These can be files such as .dex files. The APK file must also have the manifest, certificate, asset, and resource files. Just like any type of file format you may be familiar with, APK files can have whatever type of name is needed. The only thing that should remain constant is the ending, which should be .apk.

They are a kind of archive file and are found in zip format packages which are based on JAR format .apk is the file name extension.

Installation

One can install the files on the Android powered devices in the same way as we install the software on the PC. When one downloads and then installs an app on Android from official sites or other unofficial sites, he is actually installing APKs on the device.

It is possible for a person to install APK files directly on devices. This can be done without the need to download them from any network. You can use a desktop computer and use different communication programs.

You can also use a process known as sideloading. Normally, this possibility of installing from unofficial sites or from the file manager or directly from a desktop is disabled for different security reasons in many of the Android devices that we have. You can enable this simply by changing the unknown sources setting within the menu.

Why install an APK file

APKs are usually leaked ahead of time and this allows you to have easy access to many new features that would not have served you well. There are also some apps that certain regions may restrict. Having the APK files allows you to bypass the different operators to have the latest updates on Google. This can take a long time to reach the network. On the Android device you are using you do not have access to the gaming site, so installing the apps may require having the APK files and may be the only option you have.

When using this method, you must be careful not to end up with applications that were not legally acquired. There are services that may allow you to download apps that are pirated. Do your research to avoid breaking the law. Find a downloader that is well known for its efficiency.

Always make sure that you use a site that you can really trust, as there are APK files that may contain some malicious software.