However, an API won’t always have an accompanying SDK. Another possible source of confusion comes from the fact that SDKs often contain one or more APIs and help implement them. What is the Difference Between an API and SDK?ĪPIs and SDKs are similar, so it can be difficult to understand exactly what the difference between the two is, or when you should choose to use one or the other. Other examples of popular SDKs include the Java Development Kit for Android apps and the Cloud SDK for Google’s Cloud Platform. The iOS SDK is just one example of the many SDKs that are available for developers. SDKs are powerful tools used to create new applications since they include a variety of utilities. The iOS SDK also includes an iPhone simulator, which lets developers test their applications from their computer on a simulated iPhone. For example, the Cocoa Touch set includes accelerometer support, camera support, multi-touch events and controls, and other graphical control elements. The iOS SDK contents are split into 4 different sets, and each set contains a variety of utilities. Examples and Use Case of SDKsĭownloading the iOS SDK gives developers all the tools they need to create iOS applications, and its popularity makes it a good example of an SDK. To learn more about SDKs, check out the full guide and see how to get started here. For example, you need the iOS SDK to create iOS applications. SDKs boast a set of robust features and functionalities which reduce the complexity of developing programs and applications. SDKs can include APIs (or multiple APIs), IDE’s, Documentation, Libraries, Code Samples, and other utilities. Suggested by the name, an SDK is a kit for developing software. View the Best Free APIs List What is an SDK?Īn SDK, or Software Development Kit, is a set of tools, guidelines, and programs used to develop applications for a specific platform. They also prevent developers from having to “reinvent the wheel,” and spend time creating functionality that already exists. Finally, when you get a receipt for your ride, this is sent to your email with an API like SendGrid.Īll of these APIs act like building blocks, allowing developers to build applications much faster. When it’s time to pay, your payment is likely processed with an API like Stripe. An SMS API like Nexmo could notify you that the driver has arrived at the pickup location. Calculating the time and distance of the ride is probably done with a maps API. For example, an API like Telesign could verify that you own the phone number you provided at sign up. The ride-sharing app is likely using APIs to make all of this work. Then, you can map your route, find your driver, and pay for the ride all without ever leaving the app. First, you sign up for the ride-share application. There are APIs for nearly every category imaginable from location services to SMS to Finance.Ĭonsider how this might play out using a ride-share app as an example. Most of the applications you use every day rely on APIs in some capacity. To learn more about APIs, check out the full guide and see how to use them here. Using an API allows developers to add specific functionalities to their applications and can speed up the development process.įor example, rather than investing time and resources to create their own payment processing system, many applications use a payment processing API instead. To break down the name, the “Interface” is where different software components can interact. What is an API?Īn API, or Application Programming Interface, allows your application to interact with an external service using a simple set of commands. Knowing how an API and SDK differ and function can help you decide which one you will need for your project. Since there is a lot of overlap between the two, it can be confusing to understand the difference. A Non-Technical Explanation of API vs SDKĪpplication Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs) both have different roles in the software development process.What is the Difference Between an API and SDK?.
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