What is an SDK?

An SDK or Software Development Kit is a collection of tools, libraries, and documentation that developers use to create software for a specific platform or operating system. It simplifies the development process, providing the building blocks and resources needed to build software more efficiently.

How do SDKs work?

SDKs are designed to work seamlessly with a target platform (e.g., Instagram) or programming language (e.g., Java). They contain various components to help streamline the integration process.

Libraries are pre-written code modules that can be reused in applications, saving time and effort. Comprehensive documentation is provided to guide developers in using the SDK’s features and functionalities. Development tools assist developers in writing, testing, and compiling their applications.

Examples of common development tools include:

• Debuggers: Identify and fix code errors.
• Compilers: Translate source code into machine code that can be understood and executed by a computer’s processor.
• Sample codes: Demonstrate how to use the APIs and libraries provided in the SDK.
• Runtime/development environments: Create a controlled environment where developers can write code without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

Types of SDKs:

There are two types of SDKs, open source (code that the public has access to) and closed source (code that is restricted to authorized users/developers). Here are a few other distinguishing characteristics of each type:

Characteristics of open-source:

• Community-driven: Created and maintained by a community of developers who contribute their time and expertise
• Transparent: Freely accessible, providing developers full visibility into how it works
• Customizable: Can be modified to suit the specific needs of the developer or integrated with other software components
• Collaborative: Encourages developers to share ideas and improvements

Characteristics of closed-source:

• Proprietary: Owned by a specific company or organization
• Restricted access: Only authorized users or developers can access and use it
• Limited customization: Limited or no ability to customize or modify functionality
• Vendor support: Supported by the vendor who created it, providing updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance

Use cases for SDKs:

SDKs can be used for a variety of initiatives including:

• Developing apps for iOS (Apple) or Android (Google)
• Creating games for various platforms
• Launching an in-app monetization solution (learn more here)
• Building web applications and integrating with web services

How to measure SDKs:

Developers can measure the success of their SDK by asking the following questions:

• Performance: What is the impact on app performance, such as load times and resource consumption?
• User Experience: What is the impact on overall user experience, including app stability and responsiveness?
• Data Quality: What is the accuracy of the data collected by the SDK?
• Ease of Integration: How easy it is to integrate the SDK into my application?
• Cost-Effectiveness: What is the cost of using the SDK, including licensing fees and maintenance?

SDKs vs. APIs: What’s the difference?

SDKs and APIs (application programming interfaces) are both essential tools in software development. While an API can be a standalone solution, it is often included as part of an SDK. Here is a full breakdown of the similarities, differences, and where the two overlap.

SDK

• Purpose: Comprehensive set of tools and resources needed to build applications for a specific platform or programming language.
• Components: Includes APIs, libraries, documentation, and sample code.
• When to use: When creating a new application from scratch.

API

• Purpose: Rules and protocols that allow software components to communicate and interact with each other.
• Components: Includes function definitions, data structures, and object classes.
• When to use: When integrating an existing application with other software.

Why are SDKs important to marketers?

SDKs provide marketers with the tools and data they need to create more effective and personalized marketing campaigns. 

• Data Collection and Analysis: Marketers use them to collect valuable data about user behavior, such as app usage, in-app purchases, and website visits.
• Cross-Channel Marketing: They allow marketers to track user interactions across different channels, such as mobile apps, websites, and email.
• Attribution Modeling: They can help marketers attribute conversions to specific marketing channels and campaigns.
• A/B Testing: Marketers use them to conduct A/B tests on different marketing campaigns to identify the most successful approaches.

Why are SDKs important to developers?

SDKs provide developers with the resources they need to create efficient, compatible, and high-quality software.

• Efficiency: By leveraging the pre-built components and tools provided by SDKs, developers can accelerate the development process and bring products to market faster.
• Consistency: They often enforce coding standards and guidelines, promoting consistency and maintainability within projects.
• Documentation and Support: They typically include comprehensive documentation and support resources, helping developers understand and utilize the included tools effectively.
• Integration: They facilitate integration with other software components or services, enabling developers to create more complex and interconnected applications.

Who needs to know about SDKs:

• Developers: Those who create mobile apps, web applications, or other software.
• Marketers: Those who want to leverage data and personalization in their marketing campaigns.
• Product Managers: Those who oversee the development and launch of new products or features.
• Data Analysts: Those who analyze data collected from mobile apps and websites.

Use SDK in a sentence:

“The developer used the Instagram SDK to create a new mobile app that integrates seamlessly with the Instagram platform.”