Software Development Kit | Mobile Application SDK

April 17, 2020

Just like hammers and nails are required to build furniture (a project), software developers need a tool kit to build a project. This tool kit is known as a Software Development Kit (SDK) that has the potential to handle programming tasks, debug and fix errors and help developers in developing a robust application. It assists them in performing every single task related to development. In this blog, we are going to discuss Software Development Kit in detail. Keep reading…

An assembled assistance to the application developers is a Software Development Kit. Software Development Kit facilitates developers to build software, apps for a specific platform, operating system or any device. It is a development kit or Devkit that benefits the app development process in a number of ways. This blog shares everything that you need to know about the SDK.

What is an SDK?

Software Development Kit, SDK is a set of tools that helps developers to build a custom application across various platforms. It is a golden opportunity for developers to enhance the functionality of the app, introduce new features and more by using SDK.

An SDK consists of libraries, documentation, code samples, processes, and guides that a developer can use at various stages of the development. SDKs are designed for specific platforms or programming languages.

It possesses a lot of pre-built functionalities, which otherwise would have to be built from scratch by the developers. An SDK consists of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), API, and some sample code.

An IDE makes it easier for the programmer to debug or fix errors in the project code, gives them a programming window to write the codes and provides a visual editor that facilitates programmers to build/edit a graphical user interface.

An API aids in connecting the client and the server. It also helps in compiling the developed application from the source code. The sample code guides a programmer to start application development. Hence, we can say an SDK is a complete package that instructs developers to build a sophisticated application.

For the Android app, you (developer) will need an Android SDK tool kit and for iOS, an iOS SDK is required. In the same way, you need a VMware SDK for VMware platform integration and a Nordic SDK for wireless developments.

What are the characteristics of a good SDK?

The use of an SDK is definitely going to bring value to the business. It helps you in delivering the best services to your customers and thereby boost the company’s revenue. A mobile software development kit or any other type needs to have the following attributes.

1. It should be easy to learn and implement by the development team;

2. It should come with the comprehensive documentation that guides the developer in a step by step manner;

3. It should not consume a more amount of mobile’s battery life, CPU and affect the device negatively;

4. It should concur with other SDKs;

5. It should add to the app development process.

You may ask,

Why do we need SDKs? How will your brand benefit by using SDKs?

The unparalleled advantages of using an SDK for app development are listed below. Have a look.

SDK helps in quicker integration and thereby reduces the sales cycle:

This one is like a cherry on the cake for you, quick, efficient and smooth integration of any technology stack. The Devkit speeds up the process and the well-written programming code shortens the sales cycle. All the prominent features are available at hand and the programmers can easily incorporate them and perform a stable app development.

SDK enhances the development speed and thereby results in faster app deployment:

You will be surprised to know that an average Android app uses 18.2 third-party SDKs. And if it is a gaming application, the number exceeds 18.2. If you start coding each one of them from the base, it is literally a waste of time and resources.

On the other hand, if you start using the pre-existing SDKs, you can speed up the development process and make the work easy for the team & yourself. You can catch up on the functionalities like crash reporting, gathering behavioral analysis, push notifications and more. This way, you can reduce the development time drastically and also save on the money.

There are SDK tools available for every single platform, mobile app SDK, Facebook Android SDK, Instagram iOS SDK that will assist you in performing every single task.

The use of SDKs boost the brand’s credibility and increase your audience’s reach:

When there are millions of apps already available on the play store, you need to stand out from the crowd. If you do not integrate the expected functionalities in the app, your app probably doesn’t get the exposure.

However, if you integrate the toolkits into your product, it will outshine and there are chances that it may get higher popularity in the app store.

SDKs give you better control and help in mitigating the risks:

SDKs give you complete control over the elements of the user interface and third-party integrations. You can regulate how the plugins work and the ways in which you can improve upon the user experience. Additionally, the mobile SDK development toolkit keeps the application secure without disturbing the user experience.

SDKs allow you to build customized app experiences:

SDK’s tool kit is open and you can use any tools as well as functionality that can enhance the user experience. The tools let you provide tailored app experiences that can attract and engage the users.

So you may wonder, is there a difference between an SDK and an API?

A novice programmer usually faces this confusion. They keep on wondering the difference between SDKs and APIs. SDK is the Software Development Kit and API is Application Programming Interface.

SDK contains several APIs and therefore the confusion. API is simple words, sets up a connection between apps. It is an interface that allows the interaction between the software programs. On the contrary, SDK assists and instructs the developers in building applications. Let’s explain it to you with an example:

Suppose that you book a ticket on the travel app. This app communicates with Google Calendar using an API. Thus a connection is established between two apps, and you get a notification on or before the travel date.

Key takeaways:

1. An SDK can not do this without an API. It needs an API to set up communication between tools, apps and everything. And therefore an SDK needs more than one API to function.

2. API does not include SDK. however, API fulfills the functional requirement of an app within the parameters of SDK.

How does an SDK work?

As mentioned above, an SDK serves tools, code samples, guides, features and every single thing required to develop an application. It is a boon to the programmers and developers that they do not have to build the application feature code.

The robust features and functionalities of mobile SDK for Android and iPhone are capable of handling any level of complexity. It is a vital thing that every mobile app development company developer needs to use. Companies offer SDKs for free so that the developers can have the advantage of setting up interactions between the platforms.

Concluding Thoughts:

SDKs are important for the creation of new software and apps. The two important things which you need to keep in mind while selecting the SDK are the data and security. Along with high-speed and security, the SDK should add value to the application.

If you have any issues integrating the mobile SDK for iPhone or other, you can hire mobile app developers or ask an expert agency to do the work. Download the SDK and get the power to build engaging and interesting apps for your customers.