Android SDK
Android Software Development Kit(SDK)
• Developed by Google for Android Platform.
• It’s a collection of tools, libraries, and documentation
that developers use to create applications for the Android
platform.
• It provides everything needed to build, test, and debug
Android apps.
• Whenever Google releases a new version or update of
Android Software, a corresponding SDK also releases with
it.
• Android SDK is compatible with all operating systems such
as Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.
Components of Android SDK
1. SDK Tools
2. SDK Platform Tools
3. SDK Build Tools
4. Android Platform
5. Android Emulator
6. Android Debug Bridge (adb)
7. Documentation and Samples
8. Libraries
1. SDK Tools
• Core tools for developing Android apps.
• Includes:
– Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
• Command-line tool for communicating with Android devices (real
or emulated).
• Allows installation/debugging of apps, file transfers, and shell
access.
• Essential for debugging and testing
– fastboot
• A tool used for flashing device partitions.
• It’s mainly used for device firmware upgrades and unlocking the
bootloader.
2. SDK Platform Tools
• These are tools specifically designed to work with
the Android platform.
• Platform tools include adb and fastboot mentioned
above because these tools are updated continuously
to support new Android platform versions.
• They manage interactions with devices and
emulators and are essential for deploying and
debugging apps.
3. SDK Build Tools
• These are a set of tools necessary for compiling, packaging,
and building your Android project into an APK file (the app
package).
• Includes:
– aapt (Android Asset Packaging Tool): Compiles resources (like
strings, images, layouts) and creates the APK structure.
– dx: Converts Java .class files into Dalvik bytecode (Android’s runtime
format). Now replaced by D8, the new dexer used by the latest SDK.
– zipalign: Optimizes the final APK file for efficient memory usage.
– apksigner: Signs your APKs with security keys; signing is necessary
for app installation on devices.
4. Android Platform
• This consists of:
– Android API libraries: Provide the Android framework
APIs that support building the app functionalities.
– System images: Needed for running emulators that
simulate various Android OS versions.
• Each Android platform version corresponds to an
API level (e.g., API level 33 for Android 13).
• Developing apps against specific API levels ensures
compatibility and access to the latest Android
features.
5. Android Emulator
• Allows you to create and run virtual devices on your PC
simulating real Android phones, tablets, or TVs.
• Supports different hardware profiles, Android versions,
screen sizes, and resolutions.
• Enables testing without needing a physical device.
• You can simulate different device states such as incoming
call, GPS location changes, network speed, etc.
• The emulator integrates with SDK tools for installation
and debugging.
6. Android Debug Bridge (adb)
• Arguably one of the most important tools in the
SDK.
• A command-line interface allowing you to:
– Transfer files between your computer and device.
– Install and uninstall apps.
– Run shell commands on an Android device or emulator.
– Capture logs and debug your app.
• It's invaluable for development and
troubleshooting.
7. Documentation and Samples
• The SDK includes official Android
documentation which provides detailed
information on APIs, components, and
development guidelines.
• Sample projects demonstrate common use
cases and best practices.
• Developer guides and training resources help
onboard new developers and improve app
quality.
8. Libraries
• Core libraries provide prebuilt functionality for app
development.
• Some key libraries:
– AndroidX and Jetpack Components: Modern libraries to simplify
common tasks like lifecycle management, UI design, navigation,
room databases, etc.
– Google Play Services: For accessing Google APIs like Maps, Ads,
Authentication.
– Support Libraries: Ensure backward compatibility for older
Android versions.
• Libraries save time and encourage reusable, maintainable
code.
