SDK vs API: Which One to Choose for Your Next Web Development Project

If you are into software development, you must have heard of two powerful tools that help develop software, web, and mobile apps.

These two tools are SDK and API

SDK stands for Software Development Kit, and API stands for Application Programming Interface.

These tools share many things in common; sometimes, it is difficult for people to differentiate them This post is to understand what they stand for and discuss their primary differences

The main aim of these tools is to enhance the features and functionalities of the applications Both perfectly serve their purposes

However, before we discuss SDK vs API, it is essential to understand them separately. It will give you clues about their working methodology, benefits, and examples.

What is SDK?

An SDK is a set of tools used commonly in developing software, web, and mobile apps. These kits are designed for platforms like Facebook or programming languages like Java These SDKs have components such as compilers, documentation, debuggers, a framework, code libraries, and runtime environments

It also might have components like code samples, testing and analytics tools, and other software development tools. You will be surprised that SDKs have at least one API for applications to rely on information.

For example, you have developed beautiful software or a mobile app for your business Now, you want to add a map feature to it Rather than creating a feature from scratch, you can use Google's map SDK to integrate it into the app It will save time and costs and reduce the app-to-market time

SDKs make the application development process simpler and quicker for developers Also, it makes development easy for a specific platform For example, if you want to develop an Android or iOS app, you can have specifically designed SDKs for app development Developers can dedicatedly build apps for specific platforms

SDK Working Methodology

The primary purpose of SDKs is to encourage a seamless application development process. For example, if you want to develop Software as a Service (SaaS) or a web or enterprise software application, Microsoft has an SDK called .NET SDK.

Now, let's check out SDK's working methodology:

● First, you must purchase the SDK you want to use. Some SDKs are open-source, and you don't need to pay for them However, some SDKs require a certain amount to buy them

● Once you have bought it, you must download and install your platform's SDK

● Now, you can open the SDK and start working on tools, APIs, and other components such as IDEs (Integrated Development Environments)

What are the Benefits of SDKs?

SDKs make the life of developers easy How? Let's check out some of the benefits of SDKs

● SDKs offer end-to-end software or mobile app development instructions with all the features you want in your app, such as favorites, checkout, cart, and others

● SDKs are easy to integrate and offer ready tools to developers for smooth development

● Developers have ready-made tools for software or mobile app development It makes the app-to-market time shorter Also, SDKs offer development shortcuts, making development easier and quicker

● SDKs contain ready-made information with pre-written code and documentation You don't need to hire an in-house developer in case some issues arise You can self-learn through tools and documents

● You can cut costs to a great extent by using SDKs for your software development project.

SDK use cases

Developing a mobile app without SDKs is challenging and impossible today Some of the use cases of SDKs are discussed here:

● You can have language-specific SDKs to develop a program in that specific language in a streamlined manner. For example, JSON and Java Developer Kit (JDK) can be used to develop Java-based programs.

● Various analytics SDKs are used for proper decision-making after carefully evaluating user behavior, past purchasing history, and actions.

● Many monetization SDKs are available for developers who can use them for advertising and revenue-earning

Popular SDKs

● For Ad Networks: Google Mobile Ads SDK

● For Communication: OneSignal

● For Social Media: Facebook SDK

● For Marketing and Analytics: AppsFlyer

● For UX Optimizer: UserExperior

● For Mobile Commerce: Google Play In-App Billing

● For E-Commerce Apps: Clevertap

● For Data Intelligence: AltBeacon

● For Development: Java Developers Kit, Node JS, Microsoft Windows SDK, Google Cloud SDK, etc.