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Android Build an Interactive Story App (Retired) User Input Introducing the Project

Can I open apps I have from my phone on Android Studio and check the source files and the code?

I am just curious how other apps that I have on my phone are build.

1 Answer

Jeremiah Shore
Jeremiah Shore
31,168 Points

The apps installed on your phone are the compiled version of the code; java is a compiled language. The code used to run the app is created by the tools used to make it (Java Development Kit, Android software development kit), but is not the same code as the files you edit when writing the app. You won't be able to reverse the installed apps into their source file.

If you're looking for examples of apps you will need to get the source code. Check for open source apps online; places like GitHub might have something to offer.

Jakub Farobek
Jakub Farobek
1,959 Points

It would be cool if there some ways to reverse engineering APKs. But I think there might be copyright issues. ;)