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Java Decompiler VS Apktool

Compare Java Decompiler VS Apktool and see what are their differences

Java Decompiler logo Java Decompiler

Yet another fast Java decompiler

Apktool logo Apktool

Apktool is an all-in-one tool that can extract all the resources inside an APK.
  • Java Decompiler Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-17
  • Apktool Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-11

Java Decompiler features and specs

  • High-Quality Output
    JD provides one of the more accurate and readable reconstructed source codes from compiled Java bytecode.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface of JD is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    JD is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, ensuring that developers can use it on their preferred systems.
  • Integration with IDEs
    JD can be integrated into popular IDEs, facilitating a seamless workflow for developers who need decompilation features.

Possible disadvantages of Java Decompiler

  • Limited Java Version Compatibility
    JD may not fully support newer Java versions or the latest features, which could be a limitation for projects using the latest Java features.
  • No Active Development
    Lack of frequent updates may result in missing support for newer obfuscation techniques or improvements seen in other decompilers.
  • Potential Legal Issues
    Decompiling software can potentially breach intellectual property laws or terms of service agreements, depending on jurisdiction and specific use cases.
  • Limited Community Support
    Due to a smaller user base compared to some other tools, finding community support, plugins, or third-party resources can be more challenging.

Apktool features and specs

  • Open Source
    Apktool is open source, allowing users to view, modify, and contribute to the tool's development. This transparency can lead to more robust and bug-free software.
  • Comprehensive Resource Manipulation
    The tool allows for comprehensive extraction and modification of APK resources such as XML, images, and other assets, facilitating in-depth customization or debugging.
  • Frequent Updates
    Apktool sees regular updates, often keeping pace with Android's evolving ecosystem, which provides users with newer features and bug fixes in a timely manner.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    It supports multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide audience regardless of their operating system preference.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Apktool can be easily integrated with other development or penetration testing tools, providing flexibility in workflow automation and toolchain enhancement.

Possible disadvantages of Apktool

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners, the tool may be challenging to use due to its command-line nature and requirement for understanding Android APK structure.
  • Legal and Ethical Concerns
    Unauthorized use of Apktool for decompiling APKs may lead to legal issues, especially if used for analyzing or modifying proprietary software.
  • Partial Decompiled Code
    While Apktool decompiles resources comprehensively, the actual execution code (Java) is only partially decompiled, often reconstructed in a different, less-readable form.
  • Vulnerability Risk
    Improper use or distribution of modified APKs can inadvertently introduce security vulnerabilities or violate app policies.
  • Dependency on Java
    Apktool requires Java to run, which may not be pre-installed on all systems, thus requiring additional setup steps and potential compatibility issues.

Java Decompiler videos

Java decompiler Demo || Software for Converting .class to .java || Compile vs Decompile

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to decompile JAR by JD GUI Tool | Java Decompiler | Open Source Decompiler UI Tool

Apktool videos

Recompile APK to Source Code Android Easy Tutorial using ApkTool

More videos:

  • Review - A comparison and contrast of APKTool/Soot for injecting blockchain calls into Android applications
  • Tutorial - How to mod android games using APKTOOL M

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Java Decompiler and Apktool)
IDE
62 62%
38% 38
Tool
0 0%
100% 100
Decompiler
100 100%
0% 0
Development
35 35%
65% 65

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Java Decompiler and Apktool

Java Decompiler Reviews

Reverse engineering tools review
JD-GUI or Java Decompiler is a decompiler for Java applications, hence its name. It allows for viewing of compiled units code*.class or whole *.jar bundles.
Source: www.pelock.com

Apktool Reviews

We have no reviews of Apktool yet.
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Java Decompiler and Apktool, you can also consider the following products

Decompiler.com - Online Java and Android decompiler. Just drag and drop .JAR or .APK file and browse decompiled content online.

APK Editor Studio - APK Editor Studio is an open-source Android application editor that allows you to edit APKs with the help of reverse engineering.

dnSpy - .NET assembly editor, decompiler, and debugger

JADX - JADX is a decompilation tool that can produce Java Source code from Dex and Apk files, being capable of providing human-readable java classes, it reverses AndroidManifest.

ILSpy - ICSharpCode. Decompiler. Console..

APK Studio - APK Studio is an open-source Integrated Development Environment that allows you to recompile and decompile Android applications with its unified interface.