why are Android application updates as big as the size of the app, while on Windows/steam they are very small?
Android apps are packaged and treated as a single unit whereas on steam it is installed as a series of files. So on one hand you replace the whole unit (so technically you do reinstall the whole app), on the other you can replace individual files.
The Short Answer
Android apps are packaged and treated as a single unit whereas on steam it is installed as a series of files. So on one hand you replace the whole unit (so technically you do reinstall the whole app), on the other you can replace individual files.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Unit, files, replace
This explanation focuses on unit, files, replace and spans 46 words across 2 sentences. At 35% below the average Nature explanation (71 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.
What This Answer Covers
This is a focused, single-point answer that gets directly to the core of the question without detours.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #331 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 67%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why android application updates as big as the size of the app, while on windows/steam they are very small?
Android apps are packaged and treated as a single unit whereas on steam it is installed as a series of files. So on one hand you replace the whole unit (so technically you do reinstall the whole app), on the other you can replace individual files.
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is a focused answer at 46 words, ranked #331 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are unit, files, replace.
What approach does this answer take to explain android application updates as big as the size of the app, w?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 46 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.