Android App Glossary

Plain-language explanations of terms used in the directory.

APK

An Android installation package. Receiving an APK does not itself prove that the source or software is trustworthy.

Publisher and package identifier

The publisher is the organisation or developer responsible for an app. A package identifier is Android’s technical identifier for it; a visible app name alone may not be unique.

Version and compatibility

A version identifies a release. Compatibility describes the device and Android requirements for using it; both should be confirmed with the source.

External download

A button that takes you outside this directory to another source. That destination controls the file, availability and account process.