What Is an SDK? Software Development Kits Explained

Learn how an Okta CIAM solution can increase speed-to-market, lower development costs, and let in-house developers focus on core application features.

SDK stands for software development kit, and it is often called a devkit. An SDK is used by developers to create applications. The SDK contains a library of information, programs, and tools, including code samples, libraries, documentation, processes, and guides that help developers to create a software application for use on a specific platform, system, or programming language. 

Good SDKs provide developers with a toolkit — everything they need to get their product to market quickly and efficiently. Almost every piece of software users interact with, from web browsers to video games, was built on an SDK. 

Many SDKs also include APIs (application programming interfaces), which can be used as building blocks within the toolkit provided by the SDK. APIs allow different applications to communicate with each other. 

Ultimately, an SDK is an important program that benefits developers in app creation.

What is a software development kit?

An SDK, devkit, or software development kit is a program designed by manufacturers of operating systems, hardware platforms, program languages, software, or applications. It provides developers with a set of tools that help them build apps more efficiently and effectively. 

An SDK can accompany hardware or digital software to help developers create new apps that can integrate with existing programs or apps. It can also help users to better navigate these products.

An SDK is designed for use within a specific system, on a certain operating system, or with a specific programming language. For example, to build an iOS app, you need an iOS SDK; for an Android app, you will need an Android SDK. The SDK is platform-specific. 

An SDK can contain a variety of components to help with application creation, providing a framework to work within. The SDK will typically include the following:

  • Libraries
  • Documentation
  • Compiler
  • APIs
  • Drivers
  • Code samples
  • Network protocols
  • Editors
  • Testing/analyst tools
  • Runtime/development environments
  • Processes
  • Guide

Qualities of a good SDK

Mobile SDKs are meant to be used outside of just the organisation it’s built within. Therefore, it needs to provide specific value to other businesses and developers. 

Good SDKs provide all the tools a developer will need to create a new application for a specific product on a certain platform or within the supported ecosystem. They can also include a basic test project or example, allowing a quick start for developers.

A good SDK should have the following traits:

  • Be easy to use by developers
  • Provide enough functionality to add value to other apps
  • Work well with other SDKs
  • Include thorough documentation on how the code works
  • Will not negatively affect the mobile device’s battery, CPU, or data consumption

It is also important to consider the fact that some SDKs will have agreements or rules that have to be acknowledged and submitted before use. They can also be subject to a license agreement. For example, an SDK with a proprietary license cannot be used for the development of open-source software. Similarly, an SDK with a general public license (GPL) cannot be used for developing proprietary apps. 

It is important to consider these factors when looking for the right SDK  or when creating one. You should be aware of the intended audience.

How an SDK benefits businesses

Providing a software development kit can provide several advantages for businesses. These are some of the benefits for your app:

  • More marketable: Having an SDK can integrate easier with customers’ existing tech stack. This can make it ea