What is a .OAT file?
An .OAT file is a type of file used by Android devices to help apps run faster. It stands for Android Optimized Application File. When you install an app on an Android device, the device creates an .OAT file automatically. This file is a part of the app's data that has been optimized to allow the app to load and run more quickly, enhancing the user's experience.
The .OAT file is generated through a process that involves converting some of the app's original code into a format that the Android device can process more efficiently. This conversion is done by a tool called dex2oat, which is included with Android operating systems version 5.0 (Lollipop) and later. The dex2oat tool takes code from .ODEX files, which are another type of optimized file, and converts it into native code that is then stored in the .OAT file.
These .OAT files are usually stored in a specific directory on the Android device, which is typically /data/dalvik-cache/. The dex2oat tool itself can usually be found in the /system/bin/dex2oat/ directory on the device.
It's important to note that .OAT files are specific to Android 5.0 and later versions. Earlier versions of Android used .ODEX files instead. The introduction of .OAT files coincides with the use of a new Android runtime called ART (Android Runtime), which uses a method called ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation. This method is an improvement over the previous just-in-time compilation method used by the older Dalvik runtime system.
In terms of opening or accessing .OAT files, these files are generally managed automatically by the Android system and are not meant to be opened or manipulated by users directly. They are integral to the system's operation in optimizing app performance and are handled entirely in the background.
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