Definition - What does the Android Application mean?

Android application is a software application that runs on the Android platform. Because the Android platform is built for mobile devices, a typical Android application is designed for smartphones or tablet PCs running on the Android OS.

Techopedia explains Android applications

Although Android applications can be provided by developers through their website, most Android applications are uploaded and published on Android Market, an online store dedicated to this application. The Android market has free application features and prices.


Android applications are written in the Java programming language and use the Java core library. They were first compiled into Dalvik executed to run on the Dalvik virtual machine, which is a virtual machine specifically designed for mobile devices.

Developers can download Android software development tools (SDK) from the Android website. SDK includes tools, sample codes, and relevant documents to create an Android application.

Beginner developers who just want to play with Android programming can use App Inventor. By using this online application, users can make Android applications as if composing pieces of the puzzle.