What Are Software Development Kits (SDKs)?

SDKs are powerful tools for streamlining the software development process

Even the slightest inconvenience can cause developers to bail on a new product or service and look for a less cumbersome option. Generally speaking, developers aren't willing to invest unnecessary time installing libraries and understanding dependencies. They often prefer quickly testing the tool and assessing its compatibility with their current stack and workflow.

That's where a Software Development Kit (SDK) comes in handy.

SDKs are collections of resources: software tools, libraries, documentation, and code samples. Done well, SDKs simplify and expedite the development of software applications adapted for a specific computing platform, framework, or programming language. SDKs assist developers in creating software more efficiently by providing pre-existing functionalities and interfaces.

Photo: Sora Shimazaki

What are the differences between and Application Programming Interface and a Software Development Kit?

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDHs) are tools that software devs use, but they do different things. While an API is a way for software programs to talk to each other and share information, an SDK (also known as a devkit) is a toolbox for building software, which can also include APIs.

See: 10 Best Practices for SDK Generation