What is the "code" after the app package name in /data/app/?

Question

Just by curiosity, since I wasn't able to find an answer after googling, do you know what are these "codes" after the packages names of my apps in /data/app/…?



This number is neither in androidmanifest.xml, nor in cert.sf, nor in manifest.mf (inside the meta-inf folder).



For example the package name of Clash of Clans is followed by the "code": com.supercell.clashofclans-Bd6GIb47XTzpL16jgR1kZA==




— sebastien finor | Sources

Answer

That's a random string appended to apps installation path in order to force developers don't hard-code paths in apps, instead use proper APIs.



Quoted from Android 8.0 Behavior Changes:




You can no longer assume that APKs reside in directories whose names end in -1 or -2. Apps should use sourceDir to get the directory, and not rely on the directory format directly.



— Irfan Latif | Sources

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