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What is the difference between the apk file in the bin folder and the apk file created using the Export option in Eclipse?

What is the difference between the apk file in the bin folder and the apk file created using the Export option in Eclipse?

For debugging purposes, can I directly use the file in the bin folder? Or is it always recommended to “export” the apk file?

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Apk in the bin folder is signed with a dummy key used for debugging (debug key). Using the export tool, you specify your own unique key (password protected) to identify your applications. Thus, for testing and debugging, you can directly use the folder in the bin folder. But for publishing you must use your own key (through the export tool).

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When exporting with this tool, it takes additional steps to package your APK. This includes launching Proguard, Zipalign and signing your application with your own key.

None of these optimization steps are performed in the APK in the bin directory, but if you do not care, you can use it for testing.

You will need to sign the application with your private key in order to publish it on the Play Market - and remember to never lose the key, since you need to use the same one every time you publish.

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The one in the bin folder is an unsigned version of the APK. This APK cannot be published in the game store, as the APK must be self-signed.

When exporting an APK from eclipse, you must select a signed version and take the necessary steps to create / sign an APK for publication

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