resourcesarsc

resources.arsc is a binary resource table embedded in Android application packages (APKs) that maps resource identifiers to concrete resources. It is generated during app packaging from the resources and values defined under res/ and res/values, using the Android Asset Packaging Tool (aapt2) or the earlier aapt. The file stores a compiled resource table, including string pools, resource types (such as string, color, layout, dimension, boolean, plurals), and their entries. This structure enables the Android runtime to resolve references like R.string.app_name to the correct localized value at run time.

The resources.arsc supports localization by maintaining separate string tables for different locales and by organizing resources by type and configuration. It is designed to work with multiple device configurations (locale, screen size, density, etc.), allowing the same resource id to map to different concrete resources depending on the running device.

Location and usage: inside the APK at the root as resources.arsc. During installation and runtime, the Android system loads this table to resolve resource IDs used throughout the app, including UI strings, colors, dimensions, and other resources referenced in code and layouts.

Inspection and editing: developers can inspect resources.arsc with tools such as aapt2 dump resources or third-party decompilers like Apktool. Editing the file directly is not standard practice and can corrupt the APK; changes are typically made in the source res/ folders and rebuilt.

Overview: resources.arsc is a core, binary component of the Android resource system that enables efficient resource resolution, localization, and theming across devices.