To compile and debug native code for your app, you need the following components: The Android Native Development Kit (NDK): a set of tools that allows you to use C and C++ code with Android. … You do not need this component if you only plan to use ndk-build.

Why is NDK needed?

Android NDK is a set of tools that lets you implement parts of your Android app using native-code languages such as C and C++ and provides platform libraries that you can use to manage activities, and access the physical components of the device, such as the various sensors and display.

Is NDK necessary for unity?

If you are using the IL2CPP scripting back end for Android, you need the Android Native Development Kit (NDK). It contains the toolchains (such as compiler and linker) needed to build the necessary libraries, and finally produce the output package (APK).