What's an SDK?

An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a collection of tools, libraries, and documentation that helps developers build software more efficiently by reusing pre-written code. SDKs range from small, task-specific libraries to comprehensive toolkits for platforms like iOS or payment systems like Stripe. They enable developers to outsource complex tasks, saving time and effort, and are often accompanied by APIs, documentation, and sample apps to streamline development.

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Core Technical Concepts/Technologies

• SDK (Software Development Kit): A comprehensive set of tools, libraries, and documentation for building software.
• Library: A smaller, focused set of reusable code for specific tasks.
• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of protocols and tools for building software applications.
• Dependencies: External code or libraries that a project relies on.
• Open Source vs. Closed Source: Free, publicly available code vs. proprietary, paid code.
• Platform-Specific SDKs: Tools tailored for specific platforms, such as iOS or Android.

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Main Points

• SDKs vs. Libraries:
  • Libraries are small, task-specific (e.g., date-fns for date manipulation).
  • SDKs are broader, offering comprehensive tools for larger tasks (e.g., Stripe for payments, iOS SDK for app development).
• Code Reuse:
  • Developers rely on pre-written code to avoid reinventing the wheel.