When you download an APK file, you're basically getting the app itself, without having to go through the Google Play Store. This can be super useful if you want to install an app that's not available in your region, or if you want to get the latest version of an app before it's available on the Play Store.
The process of opening an APK file is pretty straightforward. You just need to enable installations from unknown sources on your Android device, then download the APK file, and finally, install it. Easy peasy!