A full-featured Android development kit that comprises components, libraries and tools to help you build, compile and test mobile apps.
- Android SDK
- Version :Release 25.2.3
- License :Freeware
- OS :Windows All
- Publisher :Google
Android SDK Description
Android SDK is a reliable software development kit issued by Google in order to provide developers with a comprehensive set of tools for building Android applications. If used properly, the SDK, together with Eclipse (the officially supported IDE) and JDK (Java Development Kit) is able to deliver state-of-the-art software for Android devices.
The package bundles a decent set of libraries and development tools to assist programmers in building and testing applications. However, a more complete solution, bent on helping new or less experienced Android developers, is the ADT Bundle. The latter comprehends a more generous collection of utilities, including Eclipse, Android Platform Tools and the latest Android system image.
On the other hand, Android SDK comes in a lighter package and assumes that developers already have the Eclipse IDE installed, as well as JDK and the Android Development Tools plugin (not compulsory, although recommended). In other words, the SDK includes only the basic utilities for Android app development.
Initially, the package doesn’t contain an Android platform or third-party components. In order to accommodate these on the system, you are required to start the SDK Manager and install at least one platform together with its adjacent tools.
The reason that explains this kind of procedure is simple: platform utilities are updated periodically to support new features and repacking the SDK each time would cost time and efforts, not to mention the size of the final package. This is why Google adopted a simpler method, which, of course, requires an Internet connection, but has the advantage of keeping you up to date with the latest platform features.
In addition, Android SDK supports older versions of the platform, ranging from Android 1.1 to the latest release. As such, developers may build applications for older devices and test their compatibility with the latest platform.
All in all, the SDK is a great companion for Android developers. Although aimed at experienced developers, beginners can make the most of it as well, if proper research is made.