Downloading a 3rd-party app? STOP! First, know how to open APK files on Android

tech.hindustantimes.com:

One of the many cool things that even a mid-range Android smartphone can do and the latest iPhone 14 cannot do is downloading and installing apps from third-party marketplaces. Also known as sideloading, the process involves installing an application package in APK format. And this can be very useful. There are many apps which are not really available on Google Play Store for various reasons but you may find a need for it. Instead of finding a subpar alternative from the official marketplace, you can simply download an APK of the best app and install it. But the process is not as simple as installing an application from Google. The process is a little tricky but very easy to master. And once you do, you will be able to get much better use out of your smartphone. So read on to know how to open APK files on Android devices.

APK stands for Android Application Package or simple Android Package. In simple terms, it is a dis-assembled application built for Android that once installed properly can work and function like any other app. These files are compiled with Android Studio (the official integrated development environment or IDE for building Android software). Usually they are downloaded as a single file which needs to be extracted and installed manually, or they can be available in a main file and an OBB format file which contains additional data necessary to run the application.

If you are looking to install an APK file, then you must know the right way to go about it. Check below to know the steps and to install a third-party app with ease.

First locate a genuine third-party marketplace. You have to be aware because many such websites also contain malwares and they can seriously damage your smartphone and even steal your