GLOSSARYSoftware Development Kit (SDK)

A software development kit (SDK) is a set of tools or code that’s pre-packaged for other developers to integrate into their own application.

What is a Software Development Kit (SDK)?

A software development kit (SDK) is a set of tools or code that’s pre-packaged for other developers to integrate into their own application. One way to think of it is as a toolkit filled with the exact parts and pieces you need to get the job done, which can vary depending on the project.

Quite often though, SDKs will always contain a compiler, debugger, and application programming interfaces (APIs), and some even provide a test project to give developers a sense of where to start. Because they come with all the pieces necessary to start, SDKs are a great way for companies to introduce software developers to their product and showcase how to integrate them into their own platforms.

An example of this would be a developer seeking a secure photo capturing feature for their app. By sourcing the best-suited SDK for the job, they have the tools necessary to ensure that any photos taken by users through their app are unedited and verifiably authentic. SDKs help speed up the app development process and provide reliable building blocks.

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