ClassyShark is a standalone, lightweight binary inspection tool created by Google developers to easily browse and analyze Android executables. It allows you to inspect compiled files without needing access to the original source code, making it invaluable for debugging method counts, dependencies, and APK structures.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to browse Android executables using ClassyShark. Supported File Formats
Before opening files, note that ClassyShark on GitHub natively reads multiple formats: Executables: .apk, .jar, .class Libraries: .dex, .aar, .so (Native binaries)
Android XMLs: AndroidManifest.xml, binary resources, layouts Step 1: Download and Launch ClassyShark
Head to the official repository and download the latest release .jar file. Open your terminal or command prompt. Execute the tool by running the following command: java -jar ClassyShark.jar Use code with caution. Step 2: Load Your Android Executable
Once the minimalist user interface opens, look at the top right side of the window bar. Click on the Folder Icon.
Select your target archive file (e.g., an .apk or .dex file) from your file system.
Alternatively, you can pass the file path directly through your terminal launcher if preferred. Step 3: Navigate the Interface and Components
The user interface is split into two primary columns designed for frictionless browsing:
Left Panel (The Tree View): This section maps out the contents of the archive. You will see root components like the AndroidManifest.xml, the res (resources) folder, and the classes folder containing your compiled code.
Right Panel (The Code/Viewer Pane): Clicking on any class or XML file in the left tree instantly decompiles it into a human-readable format on the right. For Java/Kotlin classes, this view is clean and organized into Fields, Constructors, and Methods. Step 4: Utilize Key Analytical Features 1. Read the APK Dashboard
Double-click the APK name at the very top of the tree view on the left. This action opens the APK Dashboard in the main view, giving you an immediate high-level health report of your binary. It displays:
google/android-classyshark: Android and Java bytecode viewer
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