Android SDK

This software development kit has the tools you need to start developing mobile apps for Android

Start Download

This software development kit has the tools you need to start developing mobile apps for Android

Start Download

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What is Android SDK

The Android SDK is a development environment and emulator that allows you to build and test apps in Google's mobile phone operating system.

This installation is completely free and is designed as a quick and easy way to begin developing apps. It includes the base code for the operating system, an emulator, API libraries and other tools necessary to start creating new apps.

The emulator, while easy to set up and run, requires a certain amount of programming knowledge to make the most of. Installing and running apps can be a bit tricky and is probably impossible if you do not know code, but it is a good way to get used to the system for developers who are just starting out. Non-developers can also run the emulator and test out apps or experiment with the interface, but keep in mind that it does take time to boot.

As can be expected, the Android system is seamlessly integrated with a number of Google services, such as Google Maps, Google Play and your Google Account settings, and it naturally offers a Google Search function.

There are a number of available packages for SDK, which can all be downloaded directly through the SDK Download Manager, such as SDK Tools, documentation, other libraries, system images for different architectures or platforms for different versions of Android. Each new release of Android SDK has new updates and improvements, so you can use the Download Manager to find versions that are right for your development needs.

Android SDK is licensed as freeware and is available for 32- and 64-bit Windows systems. It has been tested for and runs on Windows XP and later. There is a fair amount of documentation online for those who require technical help.

Pros

Quick and easy way to get started with app development for Android

Cons

Only useful as a development environment