Android SDK

Note: Android SDK can be download via Android Studio or using the sdkmanager command-line utility, which is included in the SDK tools package.

Released by Google, Android SDK provides developers with all the necessary tools, components and libraries for creating, compiling, testing and debugging mobile applications compatible with the Android operating system.

The software development kit is part of Android Studio and the SDK tools package. It can also be used with the sdkmanager command-line utility as well as with the help of Eclipse and Java Development Kit (JDK).

Samples projects complete with source code and tutorials can be used by first-time Android developers to get a better idea of how everything works. Users can also take advantage of an emulator and all the libraries required for building tools optimized for Android.

The SDK platform along with the platform and build utilities can be selected or deselected for installation from the Android SDK manager. The platform tools are useful for unlocking the device bootloader too, as well as for flashing the device with a new system image, connecting and rooting them using fastboot, adb and others. These can be used to support new and existing Android features such as logcat, bmgr and Android Debugging Bridge.

To be able to install Android SDK, you have to first set up the newest version of JDK. The SDK can be installed as a standalone product but this means that you have to separately take care of the dependencies. The easiest solution is to install everything from the Android Studio package.

Taking into account the versatility offered by the Android operating system, Android SDK provides a streamlined solution for putting together software applications compatible with Android devices, whether you're a less experienced or skilled developer. It features sample projects with source code as well as various tutorials to help you get started.