SDK
Pronunciation: ess-dee-KAY
Also written as: SDK — Software Development Kit
A packaged collection of tools, libraries, documentation, and sample code that enables developers to build applications for a specific platform or service.
Full Definition
A Software Development Kit (SDK) bundles everything a developer needs to create software targeting a particular environment—such as a mobile OS, a cloud platform, or a hardware device. Unlike an API, which defines communication endpoints, an SDK typically includes an API client, debugging tools, code samples, and usage documentation. In editorial work, 'SDK' is always uppercased and follows the same first-mention convention as other acronyms. Editors should resist the temptation to treat 'SDK' and 'API' as interchangeable; they serve distinct functions and conflating them is a factual error.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from API: an SDK is a broader package that may include one or more APIs. Always uppercase.
In Context
- "Download the Android SDK before configuring your development environment." — Quick-start guide
- "The iOS SDK ships with Xcode and includes simulators, profiling tools, and interface builders." — Platform overview document