What is Android SDK?

Today, many people in the UK and worldwide use Android – the most eminent mobile phone operating system. 

Android provides a Software Development Kit (SDK) to help Android developers create applications for their OS. 

In the following sections, we explain the Android SDK, how it works, what the Android SDK manager is used for, and more.

What is Android SDK?

As mentioned above, the Android SDK is the Android Software Development Kit – a set featuring a range of SDK tools for designing Android apps, specifically built to meet the unique requirements of this OS’s features and technology.

Inside the Android SDK, developers can discover libraries, a debugger, Google API documentation, sample code, an emulator, and tutorials. 

Due to the dynamic nature of the operating system, Android is constantly changing, meaning that older versions of the kit will no longer be suitable. To prevent this risk, every time Google releases a new Android version, a new SDK is launched to ensure developers can build programs using the latest version. 

Several Android platforms exist. Each contains an analogous number with the Android version. 

The SDK is also suitable for older Android platform versions if you want to run your app on older devices. Once you’ve downloaded the latest version and platform, you can also download older tools for compatibility testing.

Via Android SDK, developers can create mobile solutions for accepting payments through integrations between mobile apps and payment terminals. It can facilitate terminal management to successfully execute all phases of transaction processing, refund and return handling, card storage for recurring transactions, and more. 

How does Android SDK work?

Exploring Android Studio and the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is essential for understanding how the Android SDK works. 

It’s worth to note that Eclipse was the supported IDE before 2015, using the Android Development Tools (ADT) Plugin. However, since then, Android Studio has been the official IDE.

Android Studio is a Google product and the official Integrated Development environment for creating Android applications. 

It enables developers to design, build, and test their applications.

Some of the core tools available within Android Studio include:

• Android SDK build tools;
• An emulator;
• A code customisable editor; 
• Debugging tools; 
• Visual layout editor;
• Performance tools;
• Version control system.

Android Studio can be used with Linux, Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS. It can be installed via a website specifically designed for the purpose.

However, to use it, there are some requirements that your device must meet.

These include:

• A Linux, Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite), or Windows 7 or later OS;
• A 64-bit OS and RAM of at least 4 GB; 
• An Intel Core i3 or a later model processor running at a minimum of 2.0 GHz;
• A minimum of 4 GB of free storage space (for Android Studio and Android SDK);
• An OpenGL 2.0-compatible graphics card;
• A Java Development Kit (JDK) version 8 or later;
• Enabled hardware acceleration for. 

These requirements represent the minimal standard that your device must cover. You should rely on a more advanced system, especially for developers planning to operate with complex projects. 

Older devices may sometimes fail to meet Android Studio’s expectations and required specifications, which causes complications throughout the creation process.

What is the Android SDK Manager used for?

The Android SDK Manager was created to help manage the Android SDK. It can be used to install, uninstall, and update the SDK. 

These processes should take place based on your software development needs. 

The Android SDK Manager provides developers with the up-to-date tools necessary to create reliable apps.

What are the Android SDK Tools?

There are five essential tool packages that developers can access via Android SDK.

This includes the following:

• Android SDK Command Line Tools; 
• Android SDK Platform Tools;
• Android SDK Build Tools;
• Android Emulator;
• Jetifier.

Here’s a short overview of each one.

Android SDK Command-Line Tools 

The Android SDK command line tools kit allows developers to build and remove bugs from Android applications. 

Among other essential command lines, this kit features the sdkmanage – a command line that empowers developers to see, download, update, and uninstall packages from the command line interface. 

For Android Studio users, sdkmanage won’t be vital as you can rely on the IDE to control your SDK packages. 

It’s important to note that if you want to enjoy the most recent Android system components in the Android SDK Manager, you must make sure you’re working with the latest versions of Android Studio and Android SDK Command-Line tools.

Android SDK Platform Tools

You’ll need Android SDK Platform Tools for tasks such as installing, debugging, or building an interface on the Android platform.

For example, one of this package’s most popular and valuable lines is the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows developers to deploy and debut applications wirelessly. 

Android SDK Build Tools

On the other hand, the Android SDK Build Tools merge resources and source code into APKs for devs to test, analyse, deploy, and release. This packaging format is created for security reasons. 

One of the leading tools here is the AAPT2 (Android Asset Packaging Tool). It enables parsing, indexing, and compiling of resources into a binary format for the Android platform. 

It’s worth mentioning that AAPT2 creates non-executable files. Developers won’t be able to deploy the post-generated APK instantly as it doesn’t contain DEX files and a signature.

Android Emulator

With the help of the Android Emulator package, developers can test their applications quickly without relying on a physical device. 

These tools allow simulations with incoming calls, messages, or device location settings and work thanks to established configurations of different Android OS devices.

Jetifier

Jetifier provides access to tools designed to help developers save time. It enables quick migration from old support-library-dependent libraries to the updated AndroidX equivalent packages.

Conclusion

Overall, Android SDK provides developers with a collection of essential tools and solutions designed to make app creation more accessible and smoother, resulting in optimised results. 

For developers, it’s key to stay up to date with recent upgrades in Android SDK to ensure you’re working with the most recent tools available. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Android Target SDK?

The Android Target SDK represents the API Level that originally matched the Android app. When the targetSdkVersion is specified, the OS can allow compatibility behaviours to guarantee that the product functions right and without limitations.

What is the latest SDK version for Android?

Android 14 is the latest SDK version for Android. However, an Android 15 beta version is currently being tested.

What are the advantages of Android SDK?

Android SDK offers benefits for both businesses and developers. It enables your application’s quick and easy creation, testing, and integration.