SDK (Software Development Kit)
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
An SDK provides everything a developer needs to integrate with or extend a given platform, often bundling an API client, authentication helpers, code samples, and reference documentation. Editors must distinguish 'SDK' from 'API': an SDK may contain one or more APIs, but an API alone does not constitute an SDK. The term is always written as an acronym; the full form is rarely used except in introductory or marketing material. Plural is 'SDKs'. As a modifier, leave unhyphenated: 'SDK documentation', 'SDK version'.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'SDK' and 'API' interchangeably. An SDK wraps and extends an API; an API is merely the interface contract.
In Context
- "Download the iOS SDK to access native camera controls without writing low-level code." — Getting-started guide
- "The editor flagged 'API' where the text clearly described a bundled toolkit—the correct term was 'SDK'." — Copy-editing feedback