SDK
An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a package of tools, libraries, documentation and sample code that makes it easier for developers to build software for a specific platform or service.
Software Development Kits are the toolboxes of software development. They give developers what they need to build applications for a given platform: compilers, libraries, debuggers, documentation and sample code. Without SDKs everyone would reinvent the wheel – with them development is faster, safer and more standardised.
What is SDK?
An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a collection of development tools provided for a specific platform, OS or service. It typically includes APIs, libraries, compilers or interpreters, debuggers, emulators, documentation and sample code. SDKs hide the complexity of the underlying platform and give developers a standard, tested interface. Well-known examples are the Android SDK, iOS SDK (Xcode), AWS SDK and Firebase SDK. SDKs differ from plain APIs in that they provide not only the interface but also the tools to use it.
How does SDK work?
A developer installs the SDK for the target platform and integrates it into their IDE. The SDK provides libraries that wrap complex platform features (e.g. camera, push, payments) in simple calls. The SDK’s compiler turns code into platform-specific format. Debuggers and emulators allow testing without physical devices. Documentation explains best practices and sample projects serve as templates.
Practical Examples
Android SDK: Everything needed for Android app development – emulator, build tools, platform APIs and Android Studio integration.
AWS SDK: Libraries for 20+ languages to use AWS services (S3, Lambda, DynamoDB) from your application.
Stripe SDK: Integrate payment features with few lines of code, including PCI-DSS-compliant card handling.
Firebase SDK: Realtime database, push, auth and analytics as building blocks for mobile and web apps.
Unity SDK: Game engine with editor, physics, rendering and asset store – the full package for game development.
Typical Use Cases
Mobile app development: iOS and Android SDKs give access to device features like GPS, camera and biometrics
Cloud integration: AWS, Azure or GCP SDKs enable programmatic access to cloud services
Payment integration: Payment SDKs like Stripe or PayPal simplify secure payment handling
IoT development: Hardware SDKs for platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi simplify device programming
Analytics and tracking: SDKs like Google Analytics or Mixpanel enable behaviour analysis with few lines of code
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Saves time: Complex functionality is available as building blocks
- Standardisation: Consistent patterns and best practices
- Tested and documented: SDKs are maintained and updated by the platform vendor
- Community and support: Large SDKs have active communities and plenty of answers
- Fewer bugs: Proven libraries instead of error-prone custom code
Disadvantages
- Dependency on the SDK vendor: Breaking changes in updates can require effort
- Size: SDKs can significantly increase app size
- Learning curve: Large SDKs need time before they are used effectively
- Constraints: SDKs often impose an architecture that may not fit your needs
Frequently Asked Questions about SDK
What is the difference between SDK and API?
Must you use SDKs or can you develop without them?
How do you choose the right SDK for a project?
Related Terms
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