What is an APK & What does it do?

If you have an Android device, I bet you have seen or heard of an APK file. But this time will explain more of what is or what it does.

An APK is an abbreviation, Android Package Kit. It is what you would call file extensions for example on windows PC, the setup file has ".exe" and android has .apk. The Lumia phones have .xap and so on so forth.

Every Android device uses an APK during application installations, for example when Whatsapp or facebook application has been created (Developed) for it to get to us, the one developing the apps will deploy the applications as APKs so that all android users can get it in the format their phone can run.

To make sure there's safe passage for developed applications (APKs) to your phone (as we know viruses and malicious items roam the internet) we have an "Android Marketplace" (where you can find apps to download, for free or paid apps). This market place was implemented by Google, and it's called Google Play. But still a user can decide to get an app from Google Play or from any website no matter the risk.

When installing an APK that you downloaded from any website directly to the phone that is called side-loading. Side-loading uses a package installer in your android device to setup the application for your use. Nevertheless downloading an APK directly has its benefits and obviously it's disadvantages too. The benefit being no one can stop you from getting an app which is free or you have to pay for, you just get it on the other hand, as it with Google new apps take a week long for them to be available for your phone after new release. And with Google Play some apps you have to buy sometimes  you are limited with country boundaries. However, the risk downloading directly from the web especially paid apps (APK) this could come at a price, the paid APK you supposedly got for free could come with conditions,  such as ads (advertisement s) could just pop up filling full your screen now and then which becomes annoying.

Furthermore, when you download applications through Google Play, everything happens automatically. After the download is complete google installs direct to your phone instead of using a package installer Google Play has Google Play Services for that.

Lastly an APK can also be shared through Apps like Shareit, Xender, Anyshare etc. So there you have it,  APKs. Now why don't you get that new WhatsApp Updated APK from your friend lol! Otherwise people sell those cz they are hard to download besides data being high too.