SDK Vs API | Difference Between SDK and API in Software Development

SDK stands for Software Development Kits, and API stands for Application Programming Interface. Both are crucial components in software development, but they serve different functions and are utilized in different situations. SDKs and APIs both make software development simpler and more productive.

SDK Vs API | Difference Between SDK and API in Software Development

What is SDK?

A software development kit (SDK) is a collection of tools, libraries, documentation, and sample code that helps a developer develop an application from scratch. It includes all of the necessary components for simplifying the development process. Developers can directly download and install the SDK, and with the help of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) developers can integrate and utilize all the tools packaged within the SDK. The tools provided in an SDK (Software Development Kit) are meant to help developers. They don’t have to start coding a new software application from scratch.

What is API?

Application Programming Interface (API) refers to a collection of communication protocols and rules that allow software components to connect. It defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information. A developer frequently uses APIs in his software to implement various features by using an API call without writing complex codes for the same. We can create an API for an operating system, database system, hardware system, JavaScript file, or similar object-oriented files.

Difference Between SDK and API:

Parameters	Software Development Kit (SDK)	Application Programming Interface (API)
Purpose	It provides a complete development environment with tools and resources to help you create applications for a specific environment.	It allows software components to connect and communicate with one another, allowing them to access specific features or exchange data.
Hosting	Hosted by you	Hosted by provider
Components	Libraries, APIs, IDEs, Testing Tools, Compiler, Documentation, Sample code, and Debuggers	API request components: Endpoint, Methods, Parameters, and Request headers API Response: Request Body, Status code, Response headers, and Body
Usage	An SDK allows developers to build applications more quickly by using pre-built tools and resources.	An API is used by developers to allow their applications to interact with external services, libraries, or platforms.
Dependency Relationship	APIs could be included in its service.	Frequently used in combination with SDKs to improve application functionality by integrating with external services.
Example	Google’s Android SDK and Apple’s iOS SDK for mobile applications.	Twitter API, ChatGPT API and Google Map API.
Size	The size of SDKs varies depending on the tools, libraries, documentation, and sample code supplied. Larger SDKs may contain more extensive resources.	APIs do not have a physical size, the complexity of the API, the number of endpoints, and the amount of data sent may affect its perceived size.

Conclusion:

APIs promote connectivity and communication across different software systems, whereas SDKs focus on offering a toolkit for developing applications. Both are essential in modern software development, contributing to efficiency, collaboration, and the seamless integration of various technologies.