What is Android SDK

Android SDK refers to a Software Development Kit that was developed by Google for the Android Platform. This kit is a set of development tools and libraries that enable you to develop Android Apps. Each time there is the release of a new update or version of an Android by Google, the company also releases a corresponding SDK, that must be downloaded and installed by developers to write programs with the latest features.

The Android SDK contains all the resources required to code programs from scratch until the testing stage. The SDK tools are very efficient in ensuring a smooth flow of the development process, including areas like packaging and debugging.

You should also note that you can download the Android SDK outside of Android Studio. The kit is compatible with Linux, Windows and macOS, making it possible to develop on these platforms.

Components of the Android SDK

The Android SDK compromises several components; however, some of the key ones include:

• SDK tools: These are arguably the most important components of the kit since you will have to use these tools irrespective of the Android version you are working with. SDK Tools include a series of debugging, development, and image tools. They also consist of other utilities and testing tools that are essential for building an app.

• SDK Build Tools: The build tools are essential in building the binaries for your android app. The developers once put them under the same heading as platform tools, but they have been separated. An example of a build tool is the Zipalign tool, which ensures that the app uses minimal memory before the generation of the final APK. You must update your Android SDK to the latest version to ensure that your build tools component is not outdated.

• Android Emulator: This is the component that allows you to test and monitor apps on your PC without the need to have a device. The emulator is fitted with a configuration for multiple android tablets, phones, tv devices, etc. This allows you to choose specifics as to the kind of Android you want to emulate. The emulator performs virtually every activity that a real android device can perform.

• SDK Platform Tools: The platform-tools serve as support features for the particular android version that you want to work on. Platform tools include the Android Debug Bridge, which is a command-line tool that facilitates communication with a device and allows you to perform device actions such as the debugging of apps. Other platform tools include Fastboot and Systrace. The former allows you to flash a device with a fresh system image, while the latter helps to inspect and collect timing information across the various processes running on a device. This is very important for debugging performance.

THE SDK MANAGER
Ordinarily, Android Studio will inform you of updates when they are necessary. However, you can also manage updates manually using the SDK manager. The SDK manager is located in the Android Studio in the Tools Folder.

There are several tutorials on how to use the Android SDK, and this makes app development easier for beginners.