What’s in an SDK?

A software development kit (SDK) is a set of tools that helps you build software for a specific platform, operating system, or service. Think of it as a ready-made toolbox containing essentials like code libraries, documentation, compilers, debuggers, and APIs.

SDKs streamline development by offering prebuilt components that reduce manual setup, minimize errors, and ensure your apps align with platform requirements—all without starting from scratch.

While SDKs vary by platform or product, they often include:

• Prewritten code samples and libraries.

• Documentation and reference guides.

• Debugging and testing tools.

• Interface definitions or APIs.

• Build systems or compilers.

Whether you’re building a mobile app, integrating payments, or connecting to cloud services, an SDK offers a consistent, supported way to do it.

The importance of SDKs in software development

An SDK’s purpose is to make software development faster, easier, and more reliable. It also helps teams maintain consistency and standardization across projects—a critical benefit in multi-developer environments.

Example of how SDKs work

An SDK provides prebuilt tools to jumpstart development. Instead of writing all code from scratch, you start with components built to work with your target platform.

For example, if you’re building an Android app, the Android SDK includes libraries for accessing device features like the camera, GPS, and Bluetooth, eliminating the need for low-level coding. It also provides emulators and testing tools to debug before release.

When you use an SDK, you might:

• Call in ready-made libraries to access features like notifications, storage, or authentication.

• Use APIs to send and receive data.

• Compile code using the SDK build system.

• Run tests or emulators that simulate real-world use.

• Package everything for final deployment.

Each step is guided by the SDK to reduce friction and improve reliability—key goals in any structured software development life cycle (SDLC).

Benefits of SDKs

SDKs not only save time, they also reduce bugs and improve integration by relying on tested, trusted code. Whether you’re building a mobile app or a complex backend service, a software development kit helps you move faster and work smarter.

More efficient development

SDKs offer plug-and-play components that eliminate the need to rebuild common features, cutting development time and accelerating delivery.

• Reusable libraries cut down on custom code.

• Prebuilt tools simplify setup and testing.

• Code samples and docs speed onboarding for new developers.

Better integration

Many SDKs are designed to connect your app with external services like cloud platforms, payments, or analytics. They handle authentication, data formatting, and communication protocols behind the scenes.

• Use established methods to connect services.

• Reduce errors and version conflicts.

• Focus on app logic, not infrastructure.

Improved quality and consistency

Well-maintained SDKs are built on standardized, validated code. This reduces bugs and ensures reliable platform interaction, a core software engineering principle.

• Common functionality behaves predictably across platforms.

• Built-in validation tools catch issues early.

• Consistent code structure improves team collaboration.

Long-term maintainability

SDKs are actively supported and updated by the platform provider. This gives you access to new features, security patches, and improvements, without having to rebuild software architecture.

Common tools in SDKs

An SDK is a cohesive bundle of tools that work together to help you write, test, and deploy software efficiently, supporting the full development workflow.

What’s usually included in an SDK?

• Libraries: Reusable code for common tasks like authentication, data storage, graphics, or network requests, reducing duplication and improving consistency.

• APIs: Defined interfaces that let your app communicate with a system or service. SDKs often include API clients to simplify the process.

• Compilers and interpreters: Convert source code into an executable format tailored for the target platform.

• Debuggers: Inspect code in real time, set breakpoints, and find bugs before deployment.

• Testing tools: Simulate different environments or devices to identify compatibility issues early.

• Deployment utilities: Automate packaging, versioning, and publishing to production or staging.

• Command-line tools: Run builds, execute tests, or interact with local and remote services.

• IDE support or plugins: Some SDKs ship with a dedicated integrated development environment (IDE); others provide plugins for popular editors like Visual Studio Code or IntelliJ.

SDK vs API

Both SDKs and APIs are core development tools, but they serve different purposes. Understanding their roles can help you choose the right one for your project.

What’s the difference?

• An SDK is a complete toolkit. It typically includes libraries, documentation, debuggers, compilers, and often an API—everything you need to build software for a specific platform.

• An API is a set of rules or protocols that lets software components communicate, usually by sending and receiving data over a network or system.

In short: SDKs help you build the app or create the software, while APIs help that app or software connect with other services.

How they work together

Many SDKs include APIs. For example, a mobile SDK might offer APIs for accessing the camera or microphone. The SDK provides tools to build the app; the API defines how to interact with platform features.

You can also use APIs without an SDK. For instance, if you’re writing simple HTTP requests to a cloud service, the API alone might be all you need.

When to use an SDK versus an API

• Use an SDK when you need a complete toolset to build and test an application.

• Use an API when you only need to exchange data or connect two systems.

SDK use cases

SDKs are foundational in modern software development, enabling developers to build reliable, platform-ready software. Whether you’re targeting for mobile, cloud, or devices at the edge, SDKs offer tools that reduce friction and speed up delivery.

By bundling libraries, APIs, testing tools, and documentation, and testing tools, SDKs allow teams to focus on building features, not infrastructure.

Let’s look at how SDKs support several types of development.

Mobile app development

Mobile SDKs help developers build native apps with tools like UI components, emulators, and deployment utilities. They’re used to:

• Access device features like GPS, sensors, and biometrics.

• Manage notifications, offline storage, or in-app purchases.

• Test across multiple devices and operating systems.

Web development

Web SDKs speed up the creation of interactive, responsive websites and web apps. They often include JavaScript libraries, UI kits, and browser-based tools, and help developers:

• Add features like chat, forms, or dashboards.

• Integrate third-party APIs.

• Ensure consistent behavior across browsers and devices.

Cloud computing

Cloud SDKs simplify interaction with infrastructure services like storage, compute, and databases. They’re commonly used to:

• Manage resources like storage buckets, databases, or virtual machines.

• Automate provisioning, scaling, and deployment workflows.

• Monitor system performance and usage.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT SDKs support development on constrained hardware—devices with limited memory, power, or processing. Developers use them to:

• Control sensors, actuators, and wireless modules.

• Simulate device behavior for pre-deployment testing.

• Write efficient, low-power code for real-time use cases.

Game development

Game SDKs provide engines, rendering libraries, and monetization tools for building immersive, interactive experiences. They help game developers:

• Render 2D/3D environments and characters.

• Handle input from keyboards, controllers, or touchscreens.

• Connect to ad networks or in-game purchasing systems.

SDKs at GitHub

GitHub provides SDKs that make it easier to work with its REST and GraphQL APIs. These SDKs simplify tasks like authentication, request formatting, and data handling—letting you focus on what you're building, not backend mechanics.

At the core of GitHub’s SDK ecosystem is Octokit, a collection of client libraries to help you integrate GitHub into your tools, apps, or workflows. Whether you're scripting, automating repos, or building apps with GitHub data, Octokit helps you move faster.

Octokit supports multiple languages

GitHub’s SDKs are designed for developers across ecosystems, with commercial and community-supported clients for:

• JavaScript / TypeScript – Full-featured SDK for browser and Node.js.

• C# / .NET – Library for .NET applications needing GitHub integrations.

• Ruby – Mature SDK for Ruby-based automation and scription.

• Go – Lightweight client for Go developers.

These SDKs follow GitHub’s API design and include tools for pagination, error handling, and authentication, with no manual setup required.

Because Octokit is open source software and actively maintained, you benefit from community input, regular updates, and GitHub’s evolving capabilities.

GitHub’s SDKs give developers the structure and support needed to build secure, scalable integrations with the platform.