How to get application or package info from the apk file in the android application in the Android environment

Question

Is it possible to get any information about the package or the application from the apk file without installing it in the Android environment?

Answer 1

unzipping and converting AndroidManifest.xml from binary form isn't the best way (IMHO)

You act like you have an option. You don't, if all you have is the APK. The only solution, if all you have is the APK file, is based on what Sam pointed out.

Of course, you can publish your metadata in a separate file alongside your APK, wherever you are getting your APK from (e.g., Web server).