Generate signed apk android studio

Question

I am new to android development and just finished my first app. I want to generate a signed apk in android studio. I read the developer docs but couldn't understand the steps. When I click on Build>Generate Signed APK..., it shows me a dialog box asking the following:

Keystore path  //with two options create new and choose existing
Keystore password
Key alias
key password

I don't get what is keystore even after googling it. When I choose create new it asks me to select a path and locate a .jks file which I don't have! Can anyone please explain and list the steps in order to generate a signed apk.

Answer 1

I dont think anyone has answered the question correctly.So, for anyone else who has the same question, this should help :

Step 1 Go to Build>Generate Signed APK>Next (module selected would be your module , most often called "app")

Step 2 Click on create new

Step 3 Basically, fill in the form with the required details. The confusing bit it is where it asks for a Key Store Path. Click on the icon on the right with the 3 dots ("..."), which will open up a navigator window asking you to navigate and select a .jks file.Navigate to a folder where you want your keystore file saved and then at the File Name box at the bottom of that window, simply enter a name of your liking and the OK button will be clickable now. What is happening is that the window isnt really asking you chose a .jks file but rather it wants you to give it the location and name that you want it to have.

Step 4 Click on Next and then select Release and Voila ! you are done.