The Android platform includes an Android-specific implementation of the
[Vulkan](https://www.khronos.org/vulkan/) API
specification from the Khronos Group. Vulkan is a
low-overhead, cross-platform API for high-performance, 3D graphics. It provides tools
for creating high-quality, real-time graphics in
applications. Vulkan also provides advantages such as reducing
CPU overhead and providing support for the
[SPIR-V Binary
Intermediate language](https://www.khronos.org/spir).


This section begins with information on how to
[get started](https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/graphics/getting-started) using Vulkan in your
Android app. Next, it provides useful information that you should know about
[Vulkan design guidelines](https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/graphics/design-notes)
on the Android platform. From there, it explains how
to use Vulkan's [shader compilers](https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/graphics/shader-compilers).
Last, it teaches you how to use
[validation layers](https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/graphics/validation-layer)
to help assure stability in apps using Vulkan.


For more general information about this cross-platform API specification, see
Khronos's
[Vulkan Overview](http://khr.io/vulkanlaunchoverview).
You can also keep up with the latest Vulkan-related developments at the
Vulkan
[news page](https://www.khronos.org/#slider_vulkan).