Every term you'll meet while turning your website into an app — no jargon, no assumptions.
App files & identity
APK (Android Package)
The finished, installable Android app file. Copy it to a phone and tap to install — ideal for testing and for sharing outside the Play Store.
AAB (Android App Bundle)
The publishing format Google Play requires for new apps. You upload an AAB; Google generates optimised downloads for each device from it.
Package name (applicationId)
Your app's unique ID on Google Play, like com.yourbrand.app. It can never be changed after publishing, so choose it carefully.
Version name & version code
The version name (e.g. 1.04) is what users see. The version code is a number Google Play uses internally — every upload must have a higher code than the last.
Signing
Keystore
A password-protected file holding your signing key(s). Whoever holds it can publish updates as your app — keep it safe and backed up.
Signing key / key alias
The cryptographic identity inside a keystore used to sign builds. Every update must be signed with the same key, or the Play Store rejects it.
Google Play
Play Console
The website (play.google.com/console) where developers upload apps, fill in store listings, and manage releases.
Developer account
The Google account registered to publish on Play. A one-time $25 fee; identity verification is required.
Store listing
Your app's Play Store page: name, descriptions, icon, feature graphic and screenshots. The title is limited to 30 characters.
Content rating
A questionnaire in the Play Console that assigns your app an age rating. Answers must match the app's real content.
Data safety form
A declaration of what data your app collects and shares. Must be accurate and consistent with your linked privacy policy.
Minimum functionality
A Play policy requiring apps to offer real value beyond a website wrapper. Native navigation, push notifications and offline support satisfy it.
64-bit requirement
Google Play requires submissions to include a 64-bit version. 32-bit-only builds are rejected.
Target API level
The Android version your app declares it's built for. Google requires a recent one for new apps and updates, raising the bar over time.
App experience
Splash screen
The screen shown while the app loads — your logo on your brand colour, still or animated, full-screen with no gaps.
WebView
Android's built-in browser engine that displays websites inside an app. A WebView app wraps your live site in a real app package.
Bottom navigation
The row of tabs at the bottom of many apps. In a website app, each tab points to a key section of your site.
Pull-to-refresh
The gesture of dragging down to reload the current page, as in Chrome or social apps.
Offline fallback page
A friendly screen shown when the phone has no connection, instead of a browser error.
Push notification
A message your app shows outside the app to bring users back — the single biggest engagement advantage over a browser tab.
AdMob
Google's ad network for apps. Add your own AdMob IDs to show banner or interstitial ads and earn from your app.